Prosecutors in Congo have sought the death penalty for 50 individuals, including three U.S. citizens, accused of involvement in an alleged coup attempt earlier this year.
Military prosecutor Lieutenant Colonel Innocent Radjabu called for the death sentence for all but one defendant, citing “psychological issues” as the reason for the exception.
The trial, which began in June, involves serious charges such as terrorism, murder, and criminal conspiracy. These charges are linked to a failed coup in May, reportedly led by opposition figure Christian Malanga. The attempted coup targeted the presidential palace and a close ally of President Felix Tshisekedi, resulting in six deaths. The Congolese army stated that Malanga was shot dead after resisting arrest, following a live-streamed broadcast of the attack.
Among those on trial is Marcel Malanga, the 21-year-old son of the alleged coup leader and a U.S. citizen. Marcel’s mother claims her son is innocent, arguing that he merely followed his father, who believed himself to be the leader of a government in exile.
Two other Americans are also facing charges. Tyler Thompson Jr., 21, from Utah, reportedly traveled to Africa with Marcel for what his family believed was a vacation. They maintain that Thompson was unaware of any political intentions and had no plans to enter Congo.
The third American, Benjamin Reuben Zalman-Polun, 36, is said to have been connected to Christian Malanga through a gold mining business in Mozambique.
This trial comes as Congo reinstated the death penalty earlier this year, ending a moratorium that lasted over two decades, in response to rising violence and militant activity.