Congo Military Court Sentences 37 to Death in Alleged Coup Plot

A military court in Congo sentenced 37 people, including three Americans, to death for participating in an attempted coup. The trial, which began in June, also saw 14 acquittals. The lawyer for the foreign defendants plans to appeal, disputing the adequacy of interpreters and the reinstated death penalty.

A military court in Congo handed down death sentences to 37 individuals, including three Americans, on charges related to a coup attempt. The verdicts, delivered by presiding judge Maj. Freddy Ehuma, were broadcast live on television.

The trial, which began in June, also resulted in 14 acquittals. The defendants, mainly Congolese but also including a Briton, Belgian, and Canadian, have five days to appeal the verdict.

The lawyer representing the foreign defendants, Richard Bondo, criticized the verdict, arguing that the death penalty should not currently be enforceable in Congo and pointing out inadequacies in the translation services provided during the investigation.

(With inputs from agencies.)