July 1st, a new prisoner arrived in the Central Prison in Kisangani. It turned out to be a major in the police who were one of the judges who sentenced the two Norwegians to death. Now, he is in prison for corruption himself. He has a different name and is in a cell with other policemen. If he bribes anyone he’ll be out of there soon!! With corruption it’s easy to get out of prison again!
Last year the person who captured Joshua and Tjostolv and treated them badly were also put in the Central Prison. But those who can pay get out fast.Lawyer Kibambe who represented Josh and Tjostolv has been in Kisangani with another case. He visited the two and had some news to tell about the enormous corruption in Congo.
Besides a useful meeting with the Foreign Ministry on June 30th which Knut Moland has written about in his blog the British Ambassador had a meeting recently with the Governor of the province Orientale where Kisangani is. In every meeting both British and Norwegian Foreign Ministries have with Congolese authorities they meet understanding and benevolence. BUT there are no action from the understanding and promises. They are kept hostages for money.
Kari Hilde French, July 5th 2011
