37 Sentenced to Death in DRC, Including Briton and Americans

According to SAEDNEWS, On September 14, 2023, news broke that 37 people have been sentenced to death in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) for their involvement in a failed coup attempt against President Félix Tshisekedi. Among those sentenced are a British citizen and three Americans.

The incidents leading to this harsh punishment began on May 19 when opposition leader Christian Malanga attempted to seize power. The coup was marked by violence, resulting in the deaths of six people. Armed militants first attacked the home of the parliamentary speaker, Vital Kamerhe, in Kinshasa, and later briefly took over an office at the presidency. During the chaos, Malanga was killed by security forces while he was resisting arrest after live-streaming the attack on his social media.

The 37 convicted individuals faced severe charges, including terrorism, murder, and criminal association. They will have the opportunity to appeal the verdict. Notably, 14 other people involved in the trial that began in July were acquitted.

The three Americans sentenced are Marcel Malanga, 21, the son of Christian Malanga, along with Tyler Thompson Jr. and Benjamin Zalman-Polun, who was a business associate of Malanga. Details about the British national sentenced remain limited, although reports suggest he is also a naturalized citizen of the DRC. The UK’s Foreign Office confirmed they are providing consular assistance to him.

This case comes after the DRC reinstated the death penalty earlier this year, ending a 21-year moratorium. The government argued that this was necessary to address rising violence and to ensure that those accused of serious crimes, such as treason and espionage, face adequate punishment.