Military trial begins for 51 suspects, including 3 Americans, accused of coup attempt in Congo

Three Americans accused of being part of a failed coup in Congo went to a military court in Kinshasa. They faced charges like terrorism, murder, and criminal association. Last month, a little-known opposition figure named Christian Malanga led a failed coup targeting the presidential palace and a close ally of President Felix Tshisekedi. The accused Americans, including Malanga's son Marcel, faced serious charges like terrorism and murder. Marcel, along with two other Americans, was on trial for their alleged involvement in the attack. Marcel, a U.S. citizen, and the other Americans asked for an interpreter to understand the court proceedings. Tyler Thompson Jr., one of the accused, flew to Africa with Marcel, thinking it was a vacation paid for by Malanga. Thompson looked nervous and lost in court, with his family saying he had no idea about Malanga's plans. Thompson's family believed he had no intention of political activism or going to Congo. The accused Americans faced difficulties in court due to language barriers. Thompson's family couldn't attend the trial in Congo due to short notice. The U.S. Embassy in Congo had not provided consular services to the American prisoners before the trial. Thompson's family insisted he had no knowledge of Malanga's intentions and had no plans for political activism or entering Congo. Human Rights Watch mentioned that one of the accused Americans had no clear link to Malanga besides an old photo. The arrest based solely on a photo from 2016 seemed questionable to Human Rights Watch. The situation raised concerns about the credibility of the evidence presented.