Death Penalty Sought for Congo Coup Defendants

Military prosecutors in DR Congo have called for the death penalty for 50 defendants, including three Americans, over an alleged coup attempt in May. The alleged plot, led by Christian Malanga, involved attacks on the homes of top government officials and the presidential palace. Malanga was killed by security forces during the attempted coup. The defendants, including Malanga's son Marcel and Americans Tyler Thompson and Benjamin Reuben Zalman-Polun, claim they were forced into participation. The trial has sparked controversy, with defense lawyers arguing that the death penalty is too severe. The court is expected to hear the defense's case on Friday.