Three Americans convicted for a botched coup attempt in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are heading back to the U.S. to complete their sentences, having had their death penalties changed to life imprisonment.
Three Americans Sentenced in DR Congo Coup Attempt Return to US
Three Americans Sentenced in DR Congo Coup Attempt Return to US
Three Americans involved in a failed coup in the Democratic Republic of Congo have returned to the United States to serve their prison sentences after their death sentences were commuted.
The three Americans — Marcel Malanga Malu, Tylor Thomson, and Zalman Polun Benjamin — left DR Congo on Tuesday after their sentences were commuted from death to life in prison. This transfer comes amid talks between the U.S. and DRC to tap into the latter’s rich mineral resources, and has been described as a part of strengthening judicial diplomacy. U.S. Department of State spokesperson Tammy Bruce confirmed that the individuals were now "in our custody."
Initially sentenced by a military court last September, the three Americans were among 37 convicted of leading an attack against key targets, including the presidential palace. They faced serious charges such as terrorism and criminal conspiracy, allegations that they denied. The suspected ringleader of the coup attempt, Christian Malanga, a U.S. national of Congolese heritage, died during the assault, along with five others.
While the repatriation indicates a legal route for these convicts, details about the agreement facilitating their return remain unclear. The U.S. State Department acknowledged the events while condemning the attacks, emphasizing the importance of humane treatment and fair legal proceedings. Meanwhile, ties between the U.S. and DRC appear to be strengthening, particularly in light of ongoing negotiations over the country's significant mineral deposits, which include valuable resources like coltan and cobalt, heavily sought after by global industries.
