Congo commutes death sentences for US citizens in failed coup

2/4/2025 18:01

The death sentences of three U.S. citizens convicted for their role in a failed coup in Democratic Republic of Congo last year have been commuted to life imprisonment, the presidency said, ahead of a visit by the new U.S. senior advisor for Africa.



The Americans were among some 50 people, including U.S., British, Canadian, Belgian and Congolese citizens, who stood trial last year following the botched attempt to overthrow the government in May.



A total of 37 defendants were sentenced to death by a military court in September, including U.S. citizens Marcel Malanga, Tyler Thompson and Benjamin Zalman-Polun.



All three were found guilty of criminal conspiracy, terrorism and other charges.



They denied any wrongdoing and unsuccessfully appealed against the verdict. But Congo's justice ministry then proposed a pardon, which the public prosecutor requested from the presidency.



President Felix Tshisekedi on Tuesday signed three orders to commute their sentences to life in prison, his spokesperson Tina Salama said on national television.