Scientist Morten Bøås is speaking in VG again. Bøås is one who has insight in the Congo case, unlike some politicians that openly demonstrates that they don’t know how the Norwegian justice system works. Fortunately not all politicians are like these. Another politician Jan Bøhler says that they have to get out of Congo and the very bad conditions there, and then it will be up to the Norwegian judicial system if there is foundation for an indictment in Norway. This is of course right.
Back to Bøås, he says a lot that makes sense, but sometimes he says strange things as well. I take precaution that he has been sited correctly. That’s not obvious; I’ve been misquoted several times. According to VG Bøås says: “If they are guilty, it’s blood money”. But if they aren’t guilty Bøås, what is it then? Is it fair that they sit there till death catches up to them?
I would like you to answer me this Bøås; I know you read what’s being posted on this website. That being said, I’m mostly in agreement with Bøås’ reviews on what can happen.
I’m not a lawyer, but I’ve studied law and my opinion is that the case will probably end if they are pardoned and transferred. Norwegian prosecutors can of course arrest and charge them when they come home to Norway. If they do that they have to have evidence that anything criminal has been done. If they don’t have that the prosecuting authorities will dismiss the case. No one can form an espionage case in Norway against Norwegians in favor of its own country. What’s left has to be the murder of the driver. Nobody knows who killed him; there is no technical evidence, so nothing can be sent over. They are sentenced on testimony from witnesses who claimed 10 million dollars settlement BEFORE they testified. They have also given conflicting statements and didn’t swear in. Any court will dismiss them. Personally I don’t think they will be arrested and charged.
Regarding the other possibility, a transfer to prison, it remains to be seen what will happen.
Personally I don’t think the Congolese have any interest in what happens after they leave the country. I also think Bøås is correct that it’s not preferable for the Congolese to have a trial in Norway in this case in an election year. If they’re out, the case will soon be forgotten in Congo, we know this. I know you read this Bøås; I’d like a comment from you!
When some politicians give their personal opinion regarding guilt and punishment in a specific case like this, it is an abomination. Are they going to go public with an opinion regarding the Treholt-case as well? It’s of course up to the courts to decide the question of guilt. Countries where politicians go public with their opinions in individual cases are countries Norway doesn’t like to compare with. The Nobel Committee said something about this recently, the politicians should be aware of this!
Knut Moland October 16th 2010
