DR Congo : at least 51, including Americans tried for “coup attempt”

The trial of 51 individuals accused of attempting to overthrow the president of the Democratic Republic of Congo last month, has begun.

Three Americans are among those charged. The hearing is being broadcast live on national TV and radio from N’dolo military prison in the capital, Kinshasa.

Arrested during attacks on the presidential palace and the home of an ally of President Félix Tshisekedi, they face multiple charges, including financing terrorism, murder and attempted assassination.

They have not yet been asked to plead in the case, which is being held under a marquee in the grounds of the jail, the BBC reported.

The US State Department says it has not been given access to its citizens in custody, the report said.