Prosecutors in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have announced their intent to seek the death penalty for 50 individuals involved in a failed coup attempt that took place on May 19 of this year.

Among those facing execution are three American citizens, a development that has garnered significant attention and concern internationally, as Breitbart reports.

The DRC government’s decision to pursue the death penalty for these individuals, including Americans, has sparked a wave of international concern and highlighted the severity of the situation.

Failed Coup

The attempted coup took place on May 19, 2024, in Kinshasa, the capital of the DRC.

The primary targets were the residences of President Felix Tshisekedi and Economy Minister Vital Kamerhe. The coup was orchestrated by Christian Malanga, a 41-year-old American citizen originally from the DRC, who had a history of criminal offenses in the United States.

Malanga, who had previously declared himself the president-in-exile of a so-called "New Zaire," was killed during the coup attempt while attempting to broadcast the event live on social media.

American Involvement In Coup Raises Alarms

Among those recruited by Malanga for the coup were his 21-year-old son, Marcel Malanga, and Tyler Thompson Jr., a former high school football teammate of Marcel’s. Tyler’s involvement has shocked his family, who claim he was unaware of the true nature of the trip to the DRC, believing it to be a vacation.

"We are stunned and heartbroken by the videos we have seen from the coup attempt," said his mother, Miranda Thompson. She described her son as "a good kid, a hard worker, and a respectful young man," expressing deep confusion over how he became involved in the situation.

Another American facing the death penalty is Benjamin Reuben Zalman-Polun, who had been involved in a gold-mining venture with Christian Malanga. Zalman-Polun, who has a prior conviction for marijuana trafficking in California, claims that he was deceived into participating in the coup.

Initially, DRC prosecutors considered leniency for Zalman-Polun due to his cooperation, but later decided to pursue the death penalty for all defendants, except one who reportedly suffers from psychological issues.

DRC's Legal System Takes Hardline Approach

The decision to seek the death penalty comes after the DRC reinstated capital punishment in March 2024 as part of a broader effort to combat rising militant attacks. The DRC has been grappling with internal conflicts and instability for years, and the government’s response to the failed coup reflects its determination to maintain order and security.

The coup attempt has also drawn attention to the involvement of other foreign nationals, including Belgian-Congolese researcher Jean-Jacques Wondo, who has tenuous links to the event.

Despite his limited involvement, Wondo, like the other defendants, faces the possibility of execution. This has raised questions about the fairness and transparency of the legal process in the DRC, as well as concerns about the treatment of foreign nationals in the country’s justice system.

Biden Administration Remains Silent On Potential Executions

The Biden-Harris administration has yet to issue a formal response to the situation, particularly regarding the potential execution of American citizens. The lack of immediate action or comment from the U.S. government has left the families of the accused in a state of anxiety and uncertainty. The prospect of Americans facing execution in a foreign country, particularly in a case involving a failed coup, presents a significant diplomatic challenge for the Biden administration.

The reinstatement of the death penalty in the DRC, combined with the severity of the charges against the defendants, underscores the gravity of the situation. The international community is now watching closely to see how the DRC will proceed with these cases and whether there will be any intervention or diplomatic efforts to prevent the execution of foreign nationals, including Americans.

International Tensions Rise Over Congo's Decision

As the legal proceedings continue, the case has become a focal point of international concern. The involvement of American citizens in a failed coup in a foreign country, coupled with the possibility of their execution, has strained diplomatic relations between the DRC and the United States. The outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications for U.S.-Congo relations and could potentially influence how other nations view the DRC’s judicial processes.

The families of the accused Americans remain hopeful that their loved ones will be spared from the death penalty, but the path forward remains uncertain. As the DRC prepares to carry out its legal proceedings, the international community, particularly the United States, will be closely monitoring the situation, and the response from Washington could shape the future of this high-stakes legal drama.

In conclusion, the Democratic Republic of the Congo's decision to seek the death penalty for 50 individuals, including three Americans, following a failed coup attempt, has sparked significant international concern. The involvement of American citizens, the reinstatement of the death penalty, and the lack of immediate response from the Biden administration all contribute to the complexity and gravity of this unfolding situation.