Three Americans accused of being involved in last month’s coup attempt in Congo appeared in a military court in the country’s capital, Kinshasa, on Friday, along with dozens of other defendants who were lined up on plastic chairs before the judge on the first day of the hearing.
The proceedings before the open-air military court were broadcast live on the local television channel.
Six people were killed during the botched coup attempt led by the little-known opposition figure Christian Malanga last month that targeted the presidential palace and a close ally of President Felix Tshisekedi.
Malanga was fatally shot for resisting arrest soon after live-streaming the attack on his social media, the Congolese army said.
The defendants face a number of charges, many punishable by death, including terrorism, murder and criminal association.
The court said there were 53 names on the list, but the names of Malanga and one other person were removed after death certificates were produced.
Malanga’s 21-year-old son Marcel Malanga, who is a U.S. citizen, and two other Americans are on trial for their alleged role in the attack. All three requested an interpreter to translate the proceedings from French to English.
Latest Stories
-
We may all resort to vote buying if electorates prioritise such over development – Asiedu Nketiah
27 mins -
NDF engages mineral extraction communities in advocacy and litigation resolution
31 mins -
Adabraka in community A/R unites to combat electoral violence
39 mins -
Forestry Commission cracks down on endangered bush meat trade
39 mins -
Global GDP could plunge by 24% by 2,100 without urgent climate action
40 mins -
High Court dismisses lecturer’s bid to block Deputy IGP’s appointment
48 mins -
MTN records 35.5% growth in profit to GH¢3.76bn in quarter 3, 2024
1 hour -
Deloitte to hold training on navigating customs and excise duty Obligations
1 hour -
Akufo-Addo, Bawumia should have prioritised National Peace Campaign launch – Mahama
1 hour -
AGI works to clamp down on substandard foreign mattresses penetrating Ghanaian markets
1 hour -
Immigration Service intercepts 54 gallons of fuel
1 hour -
Ace Medical Insurance makes its mark at Ghana Club 100 Awards
1 hour -
Dafeamekpor takes Speaker to High Court to affirm vacant seats ruling
1 hour -
Government is not funding GMX music streaming platform – Director of Marketing
2 hours -
Energy sector not advancing enough – ACEP
2 hours