The lawyer representing three US citizens sentenced to death over an alleged coup attempt in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has filed an appeal. Get the latest details on the case.
According to the lawyer, an appeal was filed on Tuesday (Sep. 17) for three Americans who were sentenced to death in Congo due to their involvement in a coup attempt. This information was relayed by The Associated Press.
Last Friday (Sep. 13), a military court in Congo sentenced 37 individuals, three of whom were young Americans, to death for their involvement in an attempted coup following the conclusion of their trial.
Most of the defendants were Congolese, but a Briton, Belgian and Canadian were also among them. They had five days to appeal the verdict which included charges such as attempted coup, terrorism and criminal association. Out of all 14 people on trial; only four escaped conviction in this case!
Earlier this year, DR Congo lifted its more than two-decade-old moratorium on the death penalty in an effort to curb violence and militant attacks in the country. Therefore, those found guilty of a coup attempt are expected to face execution by firing squad.
According to Richard Bondo, the lawyer representing the convicted Americans, Kinshasa’s membership in the Treaty of Rome rendered reinstatement of death penalty unlawful. The parliament is yet to decide on an alternative punishment as suggested by Mr. Bondo during his conversation with AP news outlet.
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In May, a failed coup attempt was carried out by an obscure opposition figure named Christian Malanga, targeting the presidential palace and a supporter of President Felix Tshisekedi. During this event, six people lost their lives. Following the attack on social media platforms as it unfolded live online, Malanga resisted arrest and was fatally shot reported the Congolese army.
Marcel Malanga, a 21-year-old American citizen and son of Malanga, along with two fellow Americans – Tyler Thompson Jr. aged 21 and Benjamin Reuben Zalman-Polun aged 36- were found guilty in the attempted coup incident. The latter had accompanied Marcel to DRC for what was deemed as a relaxing holiday by their family while the former seemed familiar with Christian Malanga through gold mining operations.
In court, Marcel Malanga stated that he and his high school friend were coerced by his father to participate in the assault.
Marcel Malanga stated that his father had made a threat to kill them if they didn’t comply with his commands.
According to Brittney Sawyer, Marcel’s mother, her son is innocent and was only obeying his father who believed himself to be the president of a covert government in exile.
Ever since her son was detained, Sawyer has directed her efforts towards generating funds to provide him with sustenance, toiletries and a proper sleeping arrangement. Apparently he is currently spending his nights on the hard prison floor within Ndolo military compound and additionally dealing with an ailment of the liver as reported by Sawyer herself.
