Three Americans convicted for participating in a botched coup attempt in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have been repatriated to the United States and charged with serious offenses. Following days of uncertainty after their death sentences were commuted to life imprisonment, Marcel Malanga, Tyler Thompson Jr., and Benjamin Reuben Zalman-Polun were transferred into U.S. custody as part of a diplomatic collaboration between the DRC and the U.S. government. Congolese presidential spokesperson Tina Salama confirmed their departure on Tuesday morning, stating that their repatriation was coordinated with the U.S. Embassy CBS News. Among those repatriated, 21-year-old Marcel Malanga is the son of Christian Malanga, the self-proclaimed opposition leader who allegedly orchestrated the coup aimed at overthrowing President Felix Tshisekedi. The elder Malanga was killed during the coup attempt in Kinshasa, which was broadcast live online. According to Marcel, he was coerced into joining the coup effort Al Jazeera. The State Department noted that while it condemns the violence associated with the coup attempt, it advocates for “consistent, compassionate, humane treatment” for the U.S. citizens involved LA Times. In a recent development, the U.S. Justice Department announced charges against these individuals for conspiracy to use weapons of mass destruction and conspiracy to kidnap individuals in a foreign country, among other serious offenses Africa News. The coup attempt involved plans to establish a government called "New Zaire" with Christian Malanga as its president, as stated in court documents outlining the allegations leading to their sentencing in Congo India Times. During their detention, the three Americans reportedly faced harsh conditions in a high-security prison, lacking basic necessities and often needing to pay for food Africa News. Their return coincides with negotiations between the DRC and the U.S. for a potential multibillion-dollar minerals deal aimed at securing support against rebel groups operating in eastern Congo, intensifying diplomatic relations amidst significant geopolitical interests in the region LA Times. The legal battles for the individuals continue, as their attorneys consider challenging the terms of the transfer and the charges brought against them in U.S. courts, further complicating the outcome of this high-profile case.