KINSHASA, CONGO – A military tribunal in Congo has handed down death sentences to two Utah men and 35 other individuals, accusing them of participation in a failed coup attempt. The trial, which began in June, saw 14 people face charges related to the violent events.
Among the convicted is Tyler Thompson from Salt Lake County. The coup attempt in May resulted in the deaths of six people and aimed at the presidential palace. A close ally of the President, Longo, was shot and killed shortly after live streaming the attack on social media. Earlier this year, Congo reinstated the death penalty, which has now been applied in this high-profile case.
The defendants have the right to appeal the verdict. In response to the situation, a spokesperson for Utah Senator Mitt Romney acknowledged the gravity and fear surrounding the case for the involved families. The senator’s office has been in ongoing communication with the State Department and will continue to monitor developments closely.
This case highlights the volatile political climate in Congo and the severe consequences facing those accused of attempting to destabilize the government. The international community is watching closely, and further reactions from both local and global entities are anticipated.
As this story continues to unfold, updates will be provided to ensure the public remains informed of any new developments or changes in the legal proceedings.