In a shocking turn of events, 37 individuals, including three Americans, have been sentenced to death for their involvement in an attempted coup to overthrow the president of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The accused allegedly led an attack on the presidential palace and a residence belonging to an ally of President Félix Tshisekedi.
Among the convicted individuals are Marcel, the son of the suspected leader who was killed during the attack, and Tyler Thompson, a friend of Marcel’s. The pair, both in their 20s and from the US, found themselves embroiled in a situation they never anticipated.
Despite the seriousness of the charges, 14 people were acquitted and released. It’s worth noting that death sentences have not been carried out in DR Congo for approximately two decades, but a recent lifting of the moratorium on the penalty has spurred this controversial decision.
The attempted coup unfolded in Kinshasa, with armed assailants attacking key figures’ homes before being thwarted by security forces. The verdict has sparked debates on human rights and justice in the region.
Source link