Three Americans are among dozens facing trial in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for their alleged involvement in a failed coup attempt last month. The trial, held in a military court in Kinshasa, includes charges of assault, terrorism, and attempted assassination, with many of the offenses carrying the death penalty.
The three Americans—Marcel Malanga, Tyler Thompson, and Benjamin Reuben Zalman-Polun—appeared alongside other defendants on Friday. The charges stem from an incident on May 19, when a group of armed men attacked the home of Vital Kamerhe, a senior Congolese politician, before proceeding to a government complex. The coup attempt, led by Christian Malanga, resulted in a shootout and the eventual death of six people, including Malanga himself. The group had unfurled flags and declared the establishment of a new state, New Zaire, before being intercepted by Congolese soldiers.
Marcel Malanga, the U.S.-born son of the late Christian Malanga, and his co-defendants are accused of livestreaming the coup attempt. The trial has captured international attention, particularly in the United States, where the families of the American defendants have expressed shock and disbelief.
Sworn testimony from the trial revealed conflicting accounts about the defendants’ involvement. Defense lawyers argued that statements made by the defendants were unreliable due to language barriers and alleged mistreatment by investigators. Specifically, the defense claimed that statements from the American defendants were misunderstood by military investigators who did not speak English fluently.
Christian Malanga, a self-styled warlord and opposition leader, had a long history of political agitation against the Congolese government. His son Marcel, described by some as having been inadvertently swept up in his father’s plans, faces severe charges despite family claims of his innocence.
The case has been met with disbelief and concern in West Jordan, Utah, where Marcel Malanga and Tyler Thompson are from. Thompson’s family maintains that he was unaware of any coup plans and believed he was on a vacation arranged by Marcel’s father. The U.S. Embassy in Congo has been involved, providing consular assistance and monitoring the proceedings closely.
As the trial progresses, the fate of the defendants remains uncertain. The military prosecutor is expected to respond to defense arguments in upcoming hearings. Observers believe the proceedings could take a considerable amount of time, given the complexity and gravity of the charges.
🚨🇨🇬 BREAKING
COUP IN CONGO
This morning there was a Coup Attempt in the Congo, trying to replace the government
The weird part:
One of the individuals involved in the Coup Attempt was an AMERICAN Citizen
The US Ambassador says they aren’t involved
What do you make of this? pic.twitter.com/DkeDgDYdAT
— Alex Barnicoat (@AlexBarnicoat_) May 19, 2024
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