3 Americans Sentenced to Death in Congo Over Failed Coup

A military court in Congo sentenced 37 individuals, including three Americans, for their alleged involvement in a failed coup.

Benjamin Reuben Zalman-Polun (L), Marcel Malanga (C), and Tyler Thompson (R), all U.S. citizens, attend a court verdict in Congo, Kinshasa, on Sept. 13, 2024. AP Photo/Samy Ntumba Shambuyi

A military court in Congo sentenced three U.S. citizens to death on Sept. 13 for their alleged involvement in a failed coup attempt targeting the government of Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi.

Benjamin Reuben Zalman-Polun, 36, Marcel Malanga, 21, and Tyler Thompson, 21, were among 37 individuals who received the death penalty on Friday after being convicted on charges of conspiracy, terrorism, and attempted coup.