We watched Mathilde’s visit with the two boys in their cell on the news yesterday. She reported back to me on a text message that they had long and good talks. When they left Tjostolv said that it had been almost like sitting at the kitchen table at home.
The latest news is that they’re waiting for the plane to Kinshasa. It’s uncertain when it leaves. They were supposed to go yesterday, but the airplane didn’t go at all.
Mathilde has as far as I know the official pardon application with her to the President, and her own appeal to the President’s wife. Time will tell if it will lead anywhere. If it doesn’t the next step are negotiations for a transfer that will start in the beginning of August. As far as I’ve heard it will be a delegation from the Justice department, supported by someone from the Foreign Ministry. There is no question that they HAVE to agree on a transfer. Otherwise the outcome for the boys is death; there is no doubt about that. It’s probably not fun to go and negotiate on those terms.
We have to hope for a pardon, and if that doesn’t work out, a transfer. I don’t think it is in Congo’s interest to have the boys incarcerated until they die. That will create a difficult situation both for future negotiations about aid and the relationship between Congo and Europe in general.
The boys are in good health physically, but they are not well mentally, and they don’t stand a chance surviving in that prison for a long time.
I’ve understood that the Seaman’s priest is visiting them next week. The seaman’s church is there for Norwegians in distress anywhere in the world. Remember that the next time they call or send a letter asking for a contribution. It’s easy to think that nothing can happen to me, but it can! Then you will appreciate the help.
We just have to hope that this misery comes to an end soon.
Knut Moland June 26th 2010
