Three Americans sentenced to death in Congo for involvement in failed coup attempt

Summary

The three Americans—Marcel Malanga, Tyler Thompson Jr., and Benjamin Zalman-Polun—were among 37 people convicted on charges including criminal conspiracy and terrorism. During the trial, Marcel Malanga testified that he and Thompson were coerced into participating in the coup by Christian Malanga, who threatened their lives if they did not comply. The incident has drawn attention from U.S. officials, with the State Department monitoring the legal proceedings and indicating that appeals are possible. The case highlights broader concerns about political instability in the region, as military coups have become increasingly common in various African nations over the past few years.