U.S. Citizens Sentenced to Death After Failed Congo Coup Attempt

Three U.S. citizens are among 37 sentenced to death for a failed May coup in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Among the Americans on trial were the son of the coup leader, Christian Malanga, and his associates. The trial is closely watched by international communities, with appeals expected.

Three U.S. citizens are among 37 defendants sentenced to death by a military court in the Democratic Republic of Congo following a failed coup attempt in May. The armed men briefly occupied an office of the presidency in Kinshasa on May 19, led by U.S.-based Congolese politician Christian Malanga, who was killed by security forces.

Malanga's son, Marcel Malanga, along with his friend Tyler Thompson and business associate Benjamin Zalman-Polun, faced trial. All three Americans, in their 20s, were convicted of criminal conspiracy, terrorism, and other charges. Marcel Malanga stated in court that his father threatened to kill him if he didn't participate.

The verdict, announced in front of the judge and broadcasted on live TV, included defendants from the U.S., Britain, Canada, Belgium, and Congo. A total of 37 out of 50 individuals were sentenced to death. U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller confirmed that embassy staff observed the trial and will continue to monitor the situation closely.

(With inputs from agencies.)