US Citizens Repatriated from DR Congo After Coup Attempt Sentences Commuted

Three United States citizens, initially sentenced to death in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for their involvement in a failed coup attempt, have been repatriated to the United States after their death sentences were commuted to life imprisonment, Al Jazeera reports.

The individuals, including Marcel Malanga, 21, son of the deceased coup leader Christian Malanga, Tyler Thompson Jr, 21, a friend of Marcel Malanga, and Benjamin Reuben Zalman-Polun, 36, arrived in the US on Tuesday. Christian Malanga, a political exile, led the attack on the presidential palace in Kinshasa in May of last year before being killed by Congolese forces. He live-streamed the events from the palace during the attempted coup.

Marcel Malanga claimed he was coerced into participating by his father. Zalman-Polun reportedly knew the elder Malanga through a gold mining company.

Congolese presidential spokesperson Tina Salama stated that the men will serve out their life sentences in the United States.

US Department of State spokesperson Tammy Bruce confirmed the transfer, reiterating the US government’s condemnation of the armed attacks. Bruce added that the US supports DR Congo’s efforts to hold those responsible accountable but also sought “consistent, compassionate, humane treatment and a fair legal process” for the convicted individuals.

In cases where the US takes custody of prisoners convicted abroad, the government typically agrees to uphold the sentence of imprisonment imposed by the originating country.