Three U.S. Citizens Sentenced to Death in Congo Coup Trial

Three American citizens were sentenced to death by a military court in Congo for their involvement in a failed coup. The trial involved 50 defendants, with 37 receiving the death penalty. The case has drawn international attention, with families pleading for clemency.

Three U.S. citizens were sentenced to death by a military court in the Democratic Republic of Congo for their involvement in a failed coup attempt on May 19. This verdict was delivered on live television.

The Americans, including Christian Malanga's son Marcel, his friend Tyler Thompson, and business associate Benjamin Zalman-Polun, were found guilty of criminal conspiracy, terrorism, and other charges. Families of the accused insist on their innocence.

The trial involved 50 defendants from various nations, with 37 receiving death sentences. Among them was Belgian-Congolese citizen Jean-Jacques Wondo, whose relatives appealed to Congo's president for his release. The U.S. embassy in Congo has not responded to requests for comment.

(With inputs from agencies.)