When I woke up Sunday morning I wondered if the trial would start on Monday or not. I didn’t have to wonder for long. Sunday afternoon we found out that it was delayed. Again we have been witnesses to the Congolese judicial systems’ incompetence. For the defense this has lead to loss of time, effort and money.
Lawyer Marius Dietrichson had to get down to Congo in a hurry. Lawyer Kibambe had to travel from the capital Kinshasa to Kisangani. Both the boys and their families prepared mentally for the next round which now probably wont start for another two weeks, and who knows – there can be more delays. Dietrichson is on his way back to Norway and Kibambe as far as I know on his way back to Kinshasa. There have probably been added expenses for the media as well, but they can cover their expenses by selling newspapers.
It also says something about the legal system in Congo when they want $1291 to print out the verdict from the Supreme Court. As you can read in the newspapers there is also more mess going on. This can lead the next trial to be held in a garage or another absurd place.
Josh and Tjostolv are so tired now that they are considering not appealing after the next trial. If this is the case they will be transferred to the infamous Osio-prison. This is an isolated prison on the other side of the Congo River. Our question is if the Foreign Ministry will ask for a guaranty that they will not be transferred to this prison – and if they ask for this and get it – will it be honored? Six months has passed since ambassador Vea was promised that the guys would be transferred to Kinshasa as soon as possible. That promise has not been honored. Will other promises be honored?
Kari Hilde French, May 11th 2010
