Benjamin Reuben Zalman-Polun, a Jewish-American man, has received a death sentence in the DRC for allegedly participating in a coup attempt against President Félix Tshisekedi. He and 36 others were convicted by a military tribunal following the May 19 incident, which left six dead. Allegations of ties to the Israeli intelligence agency Mossad have surfaced amid the trial, with the U.S. State Department refraining from labeling the detentions as wrongful.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Benjamin Reuben Zalman-Polun, a Jewish-American citizen, has been sentenced to death for his alleged involvement in a failed coup attempt aimed at toppling President Félix Tshisekedi’s administration. Zalman-Polun, along with 36 others, received this sentence from a military tribunal following the coup’s failure on May 19, which was orchestrated by Christian Malanga, a businessman with interests in used cars and gold mining. The coup attempt, which resulted in the deaths of six individuals, also drew international attention due to the sensational allegations linking Zalman-Polun to the Israeli intelligence agency Mossad, particularly after images circulated on social media depicting his connection to Malanga outside a technology store in Tel Aviv. Reports indicate that Zalman-Polun was noted to be present at the presidential palace before Malanga’s death at the hands of the Congolese army. Authorities apprehended Zalman-Polun and two other American individuals while they attempted to flee at the banks of the Congo River. During the proceedings, it was claimed that the accused participated in the coup under duress, with footage presented during the trial showcasing the extreme brutality of their apprehension. The US State Department has not classified the detentions as wrongful, limiting potential actions for intervention. U.S. Ambassador to the DRC, Lucy Tamlyn, expressed condemnation toward the coup and emphasized the importance of cooperation with Congolese authorities. According to Congolese law, those convicted have five days to appeal their sentences. This development aligns with the DRC’s recent restoration of the death penalty, previously on a long-standing moratorium, which the government framed as a necessary measure against perceived treachery. The speculation surrounding Mossad’s involvement in various coups across Africa and the Middle East serves as a historical backdrop for this incident. The agency has been implicated in the overthrow of African governments during the mid-20th century, raising ongoing questions regarding the extent of foreign interference in national sovereignty.
The events surrounding the failed coup attempt in the DRC highlight the complex intersection of international relations, national security, and allegations of foreign intervention. The DRC has a contentious political history, particularly regarding coups and foreign influence, with past incidents involving the Israeli intelligence agency Mossad providing context for current speculations. The reinstatement of the death penalty in the DRC aims to deter acts perceived as treason, while the involvement of foreign nationals in domestic political strife raises significant legal and diplomatic concerns.
The sentencing of Benjamin Reuben Zalman-Polun serves as a reminder of the intricate and often tumultuous relationship between domestic law, foreign nationals, and geopolitical intrigue. The implications of this case extend beyond legal proceedings, stirring debates about international involvement in Congolese governance and highlighting the contentious legacy of foreign intelligence activities in Africa. As Zalman-Polun and his co-defendants navigate their legal options in the wake of their sentencing, the DRC’s path forward remains fraught with challenges and questions regarding sovereignty and allegiance.
Original Source: www.middleeastmonitor.com
