Foreigners among dozens sentenced to death in DR Congo on attempted coup charges
A court in the Democratic Republic of Congo sentenced 37 people to death on Friday over what the army says was an attempted coup in May when several dozen armed men attacked the home of then economy minister Vital Kamerhe. Among those sentenced to death were three Americans, a Belgian, a Briton and a Canadian.
Three Americans were among 37 people sentenced to death on Friday in the Democratic Republic of Congo over what the army says was a coup attempt.
The court in Kinshasa remained silent as the verdicts were read, with defendants dressed in blue and yellow prison uniforms and seated on plastic chairs, faces sombre.
Death sentences were also handed down to a Belgian, Briton and Canadian, all naturalised Congolese.
"The court pronounces the harshest sentence: the death penalty," court president Freddy Ehume said, following the trial of 51 people that began in early June.
The alleged coup attempt unfurled in the early hours of May 19 when several dozen armed men attacked the home of then economy minister Vital Kamerhe, who is now national assembly president.
Two policemen guarding him were killed.
All but one of those sentenced to death were found guilty of criminal association, attack and terrorism.
Shots were heard near the building, several sources said at the time.
(AFP)
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