Amy BA
June 8, 2024 at 02:55
Around fifty people, including three Americans, appeared on Friday June 7, 2024 before a military tribunal in the Democratic Republic of Congo for a foiled coup attempt last month.
The defendants face a range of charges, including terrorism, attempted murder, illegal possession of weapons and weapons of war, and financing of terrorism. All these accusations are linked to the attempted coup d’état of May 19, 2024.
During the attack led by opponent Christian Malanga, six people lost their lives. Malanga, who was residing in the United States, was shot dead for resisting arrest shortly after live-streaming the attack.
Military authorities claim that Malanga was a central figure in this operation which targeted the presidential palace and a close ally of President Félix Tshisekedi.
Human Rights Watch urged the Congolese government to guarantee a fair and transparent trial for the accused.
The U.S. Embassy announced Monday that it has not yet had access to its citizens to provide consular services. The three accused Americans requested an interpreter to translate the proceedings from French to English.
The charges against them carry the death penalty, raising questions about the severity of the penalties they may face.
