3 Americans Sentenced to Death in Failed Congo Coup Plot Repatriated to U.S.
The individuals, whose death sentences were commuted to life imprisonment, will serve their sentences in the U.S. following a diplomatic agreement between the two countries.
- Three Americans involved in a 2024 failed coup attempt in Congo have been sent back to the U.S.
- The repatriation was part of diplomatic efforts between Congo and the U.S
- The Americans will serve their sentences in the U.S
Three Americans convicted in connection with a failed coup attempt in the Democratic Republic of Congo last year have been sent back to the United States after their death sentences were commuted to life imprisonment.
The repatriation was confirmed by Congo’s presidency on Tuesday, which stated that the transfer was done in collaboration with the U.S. Embassy. These individuals will now serve their sentences in the U.S.
The Americans—21-year-old Marcel Malanga, son of opposition figure Christian Malanga; Tyler Thompson Jr., 21; and 36-year-old Benjamin Reuben Zalman-Polun—were involved in the ill-fated plot targeting the presidential palace in Kinshasa. Marcel Malanga has claimed his father coerced him into participating, while his father was killed during the coup attempt.
The U.S. State Department confirmed awareness of the transfer but referred further inquiries to the Department of Justice.
Legal experts suggest that while the U.S. will likely not shorten the sentences, there are potential avenues for appeal regarding the conditions under which the transfer was agreed upon.
This transfer comes amid diplomatic negotiations between the U.S. and Congo, which include potential deals involving Congo’s vast mineral resources.
The repatriation was framed as part of efforts to strengthen judicial cooperation and human rights between the two nations.
The families of the repatriated men expressed relief and joy upon hearing the news.
