We in the families of Moland and French have to say that there is no end to the cruelty we’ve experienced in this so called Congo case, you wouldn’t believe it’s possible.
The evil they’ve experienced in Congo is hardly possible to imagine. It’s a craving for money, and a hate it’s difficult to comprehend!
Even people they’ve saved the life of, and helped in different ways, repays with hate and evil, like the inmate who stole money, that was going to be used to help, himself included among others!
The press has had some bulletins that at least I experience as evil, cruel and totally lacking of human compassion. I have to believe it’s not like that, but even here the lust for money plays a part. One example now is this case where they totally out of the blue get accused of something, and some of the media makes headlines like “Moland and French wanted to buy a weapon”. With no question mark, without checking the facts, only with the notion that it’s a headline that sells. It’s just miserable, amateurish journalism!
That being said, there is a huge difference between the media, someone has been decent, while others have been just horrible. It’s not like we expect the press to only write in our advantage, but shouldn’t they at least check if there is any hold to what they write. I’ve been very surprised at the difference between Dagbladet and VG in this case. Dagbladet has more insight in what they’ve written about. I’ve also been surprised of the huge differences in the local press. Agderposten and Tvedestrandsposten have called and checked facts and have had good and truthful reports. Fædrelandsvennen have been very tabloid. A female reporter from Fædrelandsvennen called me before the first trial and said, and I quote: “There is death penalty in Congo, they can get the death penalty, and what do you think about that?” I thought to myself, what kind of a question is that to ask a father? This person has to be dumb as toast, and completely lack social skills. Is this kind really useful as journalists? I immediately called the chief editor of the paper and he apologized. Can you believe it?
Many bloggers have been good and insightful and clearly paid attention in the case, but some of the “followers” to the bloggers have to have been written by people with some obvious mental problems.
Fortunately not everyone is this cruel; many have understood what this is all about. Many of these have travelled a lot, many in Africa, but also many many more. The families have experienced an incredible support in the community, among friends and people we know, and so many strangers. People from all over the country follows the case, many have supported with money for food and medication for the boys. Many have sent their support, e-mails, text messages and prayers. It’s much appreciated. A poet said: “You shall not bear so well the injustice that doesn’t affect yourself.” It’s in these trying times we’ve experienced that you find out who your friends are.
Knut Moland, August 30th 2010
