By Ange Kasongo
KINSHASA (Multibagger) - In a dramatic turn of events, two U.S. citizens currently on trial in the Democratic Republic of Congo have denied any involvement in an attempted coup that took place in May. The individuals, Marcel Malanga and Benjamin Zalman-Polun, revealed to the court that they were threatened by the coup leader to either join or face death.
The failed coup, orchestrated by U.S.-based Congolese politician Christian Malanga, saw armed men briefly occupy a presidency office in Kinshasa before Malanga was killed by security forces.
Speaking for the first time since the trial began, Malanga's son Marcel and Zalman-Polun maintained their innocence, stating that they had no part in planning the coup. Marcel Malanga, just 22 years old, shared with the military court that his father had threatened to harm them if they did not comply with his orders.
Both individuals, along with over 50 other defendants including citizens from the U.S., U.K., Canada, Belgium, and Congo, are facing charges such as illegal arms possession, criminal conspiracy, terrorism, and attempts to destabilize state institutions. Some of these charges carry severe penalties, including the death penalty or lengthy prison sentences.
Zalman-Polun, a business associate of Malanga, emphasized that their relationship was centered around mining activities in Swaziland and Mozambique, and that Malanga had never displayed violent tendencies before.
The trial has been adjourned until Monday July 8, as the court continues to unravel the complexities of this case.
Analysis: This article sheds light on the high-stakes trial of two U.S. citizens in Congo, accused of involvement in a failed coup attempt. The individuals deny any wrongdoing, claiming they were coerced by the coup leader. This case underscores the importance of understanding the legal implications of one's actions, especially in foreign territories where the consequences can be severe. It serves as a cautionary tale for individuals involved in international affairs, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability to avoid being caught in legal entanglements.