https://en.sputniknews.africa/20250402/drc-president-commutes-death-sentences-of-us-citizens-involved-in-may-coup-to-life-imprisonment-1071399869.html
DRC President Commutes Death Sentences of US Citizens Involved in May Coup to Life Imprisonment
DRC President Commutes Death Sentences of US Citizens Involved in May Coup to Life Imprisonment
Sputnik Africa
On May 19, an armed group stormed the Palace of the Nation in Kinshasa, where the DRC president's office is located. President Felix Tshisekedi was not present... 02.04.2025, Sputnik Africa
2025-04-02T15:53+0200
2025-04-02T15:53+0200
2025-04-02T17:18+0200
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democratic republic of the congo (drc)
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Democratic Republic of the Congo's (DRC) President Felix Tshisekedi commuted the death sentences of three US citizens involved in the May coup to life imprisonment.The pardons were formalized through three separate presidential ordinances, which took immediate effect upon signing last Friday and were read out by presidential spokeswoman Tina Salama on national broadcaster RTNC on Tuesday.Three US nationals—Marcel Malanga, Tyler Christian Thomson and Zalman Pollum Benjamin— who were convicted by the Kinshasa-Gombe military court for an attempted May coup, were originally sentenced to death on January 27, with their sentences becoming final on March 9, according to the ordinances. Their sentences were reduced to life imprisonment following appeals for clemency submitted by the public prosecutor and subsequent approval by the minister of justice.In February, the DRC president offered the US access to the country's natural resources in return for a guarantee of security and stability in the DRC. Kinshasa and Washington are currently in talks over the mineral deal, the Congolese foreign minister said last Sunday.
https://en.sputniknews.africa/20240831/coup-attempt-trial-in-drc-nine-plead-not-guilty-including-three-americans-1068083431.html
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democratic republic of the congo (drc), central africa, felix tshisekedi, court, justice, coup, united states (us), north america, imprisonment, life imprisonment, court sentence, crime
democratic republic of the congo (drc), central africa, felix tshisekedi, court, justice, coup, united states (us), north america, imprisonment, life imprisonment, court sentence, crime
DRC President Commutes Death Sentences of US Citizens Involved in May Coup to Life Imprisonment
15:53 02.04.2025 (Updated: 17:18 02.04.2025) Elizaveta Roschina
Writer/Editor
On May 19, an armed group stormed the Palace of the Nation in Kinshasa, where the DRC president's office is located. President Felix Tshisekedi was not present at the time. Meanwhile, another group launched an attack on the residence of Vital Kamerhe, then the deputy prime minister and currently the speaker of the lower house of the DRC parliament.
Democratic Republic of the Congo's (DRC) President Felix Tshisekedi commuted the death sentences of three US citizens involved in the May coup to life imprisonment.
The pardons were formalized through three separate presidential ordinances, which took immediate effect upon signing last Friday and were
read out by presidential spokeswoman Tina Salama on national broadcaster RTNC on Tuesday.
Three US nationals—Marcel Malanga, Tyler Christian Thomson and Zalman Pollum Benjamin— who were convicted by the Kinshasa-Gombe military court for an attempted May coup, were originally sentenced to death on January 27, with their sentences becoming final on March 9, according to the ordinances.
"[US citizens] sentenced on January 27 by a judgment that became final on March 9 shall have their death penalty commuted to life imprisonment. The minister of state, minister of justice and keeper of the seals shall be responsible for the execution of this order, which shall take effect from the date of its signature," read the ordinances.
Their sentences were reduced to life imprisonment following appeals for clemency submitted by the public prosecutor and subsequent approval by the minister of justice.
In February, the DRC president offered the US access to the country's natural resources in return for a guarantee of security and stability in the DRC. Kinshasa and Washington are currently in talks over the mineral deal, the Congolese foreign minister said last Sunday.
