A Briton and three Americans were sentenced to death on Friday for attempting to overthrow the president of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The failed coup, led by opposition figure Christian Malanga on May 19, targeted the presidential palace, killing six people. The attack was focused on President Félix Tshisekedi and his close ally, Vital Kamerhe.
Malanga, a US-based Congolese politician, was shot by security forces after live-streaming the attack on social media while resisting arrest, The Guardian said.
The 37 convicted individuals include a Belgian, a Canadian, and several Congolese nationals. Fourteen others were acquitted in the trial, which began in July.
Among the Americans sentenced were Malanga’s son, Marcel Malanga, 21, along with Tyler Thompson Jr. and Benjamin Zalman-Polun.
Marcel Malanga stated in court that his estranged father had threatened to kill him if he didn’t participate in the coup.
Tyler Thompson Jr., who traveled from Utah with Marcel, reportedly believed he was on a vacation organized by Christian Malanga.
Thompson’s family said he was unaware of any political intentions, expecting a trip to South Africa and Eswatini instead of DRC.
Zalman-Polun, 36, a business associate of Christian Malanga, was also among those convicted.
The UK’s Foreign Office confirmed providing consular assistance to the Briton involved, and they are in discussions with DRC over the death penalty.
The sentencing comes after DRC reinstated the death penalty in March, lifting a 21-year moratorium due to increasing violence and militant attacks.