This article discusses the repatriation of 3 American citizens who were involved in a Coup attempt in Congo. These 3 Americans were given commuted death sentences that became simply life imprisonment that is to be served in the US after the transfer. One of the people Marcel Malanga was the son of an opposition figure who led this coup attempt that died later while resisting arrest. He had claimed that he was forced to take part in this failed attempt. This repatriation is also a way for the Trump administration to strengthen it’s diplomacy with the mineral rich Congo as the US looks to invest heavily in the country.
This repatriation is a good move diplomatically if the US wants to move in towards gaining favor in Congo. While for the Congolese this comes as a relatively easy choice as they have no need for bad press and also could use the investments and deals that are offered through positive US relations. For the US though keeping these men in prison is good for international relations but domestically may be an slight issue for those who attempt to keep them in full life sentences. It may be in some points of view not necessary to keep them imprisoned while in the US.
This relates to how interstate crimes are prosecuted and kept imprisoned. The repatriation of citizens can be a way of signaling healthy and cooperative relations and staying on good terms with other countries. This also demonstrates the relationship between domestic legal actions and internationals diplomacy. It highlights the decision making that happens on both an intra and interstate leval.