It is still being worked on the pardon plea from Joshua and Tjostolv to Congo’s president. It’s important to get titles and formulations correct, and the language in Congo is a little more flourished than we are used to. We’ve got different signals on how the proceedings for a pardon application works in Congo, so it’s not easy to know what’s correct. But we gather as much that the formal pardon application has to come from the boys personally.
There is no time limit for when an application for pardon can be sent. But since the parties’ possibility to appeal doesn’t expire until July 19th, there is technically no point applying for pardon until the date to appeal has passed and the verdict is enforceable. Their letter will then go through the proper channels like the General Consulate in Kinshasa. It’s important that the pardon applications are delivered correctly. In addition others like the families for instance can also render their request for pardon for the boys.
In addition to Foreign Minister Støre’s phone call to the Congolese Foreign Minister, the Foreign Ministry has through the embassy delivered a letter where the goal is to achieve a more precise timeframe for when talks and negotiations for a transfer can start. In the letter the Congolese authorities are also reminded of their promise that the boys would be transferred to Kinshasa. A good thing is that the authorities in Congo have promised that the boys aren’t going to be transferred to the Osio prison on the other side of the Congo River outside of Kisangani – a prison that is very, very tough.
Seaman’s priest Knut Lyngseth left Norway last Sunday, but he has been stranded in Kinshasa. All airplane activity was stopped in the country in connection with Congo’s 50 year independence anniversary. Belgium’s King and Queen has been a part of the celebration, and we hope to receive a letter from Mathilde about her experiences. The seaman’s priest hoped to arrive in Kisangani today. That’s nice for the boys, and as usual he has support mail, things for the clinic, books and groceries etc.
Kari Hilde French, July 1st 2010
