Congo Sentences 37 to Death for Failed Coup

A military court in the Democratic Republic of Congo has sentenced 37 people, including three Americans, a Briton, a Belgian, and a Canadian, to death for their involvement in a failed coup attempt on May 19. The coup, led by opposition figure Christian Malanga, targeted the presidential palace and the home of an ally of President Félix Tshisekedi, resulting in six deaths. Malanga, who live-streamed the attack, was killed by security forces. The sentenced individuals were found guilty of charges including attempted coup, terrorism, and criminal association. The trial, held at Ndolo military prison and broadcast live, saw 14 acquittals among the 51 defendants. Appeals are being planned, particularly for the foreigners, amid disputes over the death penalty’s legality in Congo.