The verdict, which included charges of attempted coup, terrorism, and criminal association, was handed down by the presiding judge, Maj. Freddy Ehuma, in an open-air military court proceeding that was broadcast live on TV.

The defendants, primarily Congolese nationals but also including a Briton, Belgian, and Canadian, now have five days to appeal the court's decision. Fourteen individuals were acquitted in the trial, which began in June. As the verdicts were read, the courtroom in Kinshasa remained silent, with the defendants, dressed in blue and yellow prison uniforms, seated on plastic chairs, their faces somber.

Richard Bondo, the lawyer representing the six foreigners, expressed his disagreement with the imposition of the death penalty in Congo, despite its recent reinstatement earlier this year. Bondo also raised concerns regarding the quality of interpretation during the investigation. He affirmed that he would challenge the decision on appeal.

The failed coup attempt, led by little-known opposition figure Christian Malanga, resulted in the deaths of six people. Malanga, who considered himself the president of a shadow government in exile, live-streamed the attack on his social media but was fatally shot while resisting arrest. His 21-year-old son, Marcel Malanga, who is a U.S. citizen, along with two other Americans, were convicted for their involvement in the attack.

The other American defendants were identified as Tyler Thompson Jr., who had traveled to Africa with the younger Malanga for what his family believed was a vacation, and Benjamin Reuben Zalman-Polun, who reportedly knew Christian Malanga through a gold mining company. Thompson's family maintains that he had no knowledge of Malanga's intentions and had no plans for political activism or entering Congo, intending only to visit South Africa and Eswatini.

Last month, the military prosecutor, Lt. Col. Innocent Radjabu, recommended death sentences for all defendants, except for one individual with psychological problems. The reinstatement of the death penalty earlier this year by Congo reflects the government's efforts to address the escalating violence and militant attacks plaguing the country.

While the death sentences handed down in the Congo coup attempt trial have raised concerns, the defendants now have the opportunity to appeal the verdict. The appeal process will likely shed more light on the legality of imposing the death penalty in Congo and the alleged inadequacies during the investigation. As the case proceeds, the international community will be closely monitoring the developments, as the outcome will have implications for justice and human rights in the country.