Three Americans were sentenced to death by a military court in the Democratic Republic of Congo for their involvement in a failed coup attempt on May 19.

The group, which included US-based Congolese politician Christian Malanga’s son, Marcel Malanga, and his friend Tyler Thompson, was found guilty of criminal conspiracy and terrorism.

Their leader, Christian Malanga, was killed by security forces during the coup.

The trial included about 50 defendants from various countries, and the verdict was announced publicly from Ndolo military prison in Kinshasa, the Jerusalem Post has reported.

Marcel claimed he participated due to his father’s threats.

Written by B.C. Begley