Qatar Aids U.S. Repatriation After DRC Coup

Three American citizens, Marcel Malanga, Tyler Thompson Jr., and Benjamin Reuben Zalman-Polun, have been repatriated to the U.S. to serve life sentences after their death sentences for a failed coup in the Democratic Republic of Congo were commuted. The coup, led by Christian Malanga, targeted the presidential palace and sought to establish a new government under his leadership; Christian Malanga was killed during the operation, and Marcel claimed he was coerced into participating. The repatriation was facilitated by international cooperation and legal agreements between the U.S. and DR Congo, amidst ongoing discussions about potential mineral and security deals. The U.S. Department of State confirmed the transfer and emphasized humane treatment and due legal process for the convicts. Legal experts suggest that while it's unlikely their sentences will be reduced, legal challenges could complicate future international prisoner transfers. Families of the repatriated individuals expressed relief over their return.