SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — In a federal court case involving two Utahns accused of attempting a coup d'état in the Democratic Republic of Congo, U.S. attorneys are saying classified information may be at play as the case proceeds to trial.
Led by former Utah resident Christian Malanga, a small political opposition group tried to remove President Felix Tshisekedi in May 2024. The attempt failed, leading to several arrests, including two Utahns.
The two Utahns allegedly involved in the coup attempt included Marcel Malanga, 23, who is also the son of Christian Malanga, and Tyler Thompson, 22. The two were convicted and sentenced to death by the Congo government. However, the men were repatriated to the U.S. in April 2025, where they are still awaiting trial.
Awaiting trial
"My goal has alway