Three Americans are among several dozen people sentenced to death for attempting to overthrow the leadership of Democratic Republic of Congo.
Look back: Opposition politician Christian Malanga, who was based in the U.S., attempted to overthrow President Felix Tshisekedi in May. The presidential palace and the home of a Tshisekedi ally were attacked. The operation failed; six people, including Malanga, were killed.
Fast forward: Marcel Malanga, Tyler Thompson Jr. and Benjamin Zalman-Polun are the three U.S. citizens facing death. They are among the 37 convicted of charges ranging from murder to terrorism to criminal association. Marcel Malanga alleges his father forced his participation under threat of death; there are also Canadian, Belgian and British nationals facing execution.
Big picture: The State Department said it was denied access to the Americans during their trial. Congo only reinstated the death penalty earlier this year. The convicted still have appeals and there have reportedly been no executions yet.
