Free French and Moland!

According to VG, lawyer Kibambe stated that one of the members of the Supreme Court died over Easter. Because of this he states that the verdict can be delayed. It’s possible, but not for sure. Nothing is for certain in this case. This case often takes new and unexpected turns. Personally I think the Supreme Court had decided the outcome in advance, and that’s the reason it only lasted for 2,5 hours. But of course I don’t know. With the knowledge I have about this case, one thing is for sure, nothing is certain. Neither is the outcome of this Supreme Court case.

The fact that there are a lot of procedural errors is clear, and much worse than that. The verdicts are based on hearsay and vicarious motives and not on evidence at all. The witnesses have changed their statements and lied openly. I presume that the Supreme Court has access to internet and can verify that His Majesty the King’s Guard isn’t a secret spy division etc. If they are competent people they will probably understand that these boys aren’t, as it said in the verdict, “entered Congo to spy wearing His Majesty the King’s (of Norway) Guard uniform”. It’s just too stupid. Joshua hasn’t even been in the King’s guard. He was sentenced as a sergeant, but was a private in the army. There is unverifiability, lies and fantasies all over. There are far more serious consequences in a case with the death penalty involved, than simple judicial errors. It’s miscarriage of justice. That should be a serious matter to any nation.

What’s important now is that the diplomatic pressure is still high. This case is of course damaging to Congo’s reputation, and will eventually cost them dearly. I’m sure a lot of people in Congo understand that. The best outcome for all parties will be a closure of this case. We have to believe that it will happen soon.

Knut Moland, April 6^th 2010