Congo Court Sentences 37 to Death in Coup

A military court in the Democratic Republic of Congo has sentenced 37 individuals, including three Americans, a Briton, a Belgian, and a Canadian, to death for their involvement in a coup attempt against President Felix Tshisekedi in May. The defendants were convicted on charges of terrorism, murder, and criminal association, with the court emphasizing the severity of the crimes. The attempted coup resulted in the deaths of six people and was led by Christian Malanga, who was killed during the event. Among the sentenced, Marcel Malanga, the coup leader's son, and his associates claim they were unaware of any coup intentions, with families asserting their innocence. This case marks a significant shift as the Congo had not executed death sentences in about 20 years, raising concerns from human rights groups over the fairness of the trial. The proceedings sparked public attention as they were broadcast live, highlighting the controversial use of the death penalty in the country.