When someone are arrested for espionage, and later convicted of espionage it’s custom that this leads to a very poor relationship between nations. There are examples that this leads to severe conflicts or war. If the arrested are real spies or if they are wrongly accused for espionage is irrelevant. To conduct a trial against spies and convict them is a clear hostile act against another state. Especially of course if there is total lack of evidence. To claim a huge settlement claim against another nation in a case like this is a severe hostile act that usually gets huge bilateral consequences.
There are many ways to react in cases like this. It depends of course on the accused nations strength and position. Large nations like USA, Russia and China does not get picked on in cases like this. It can lead to disaster.
In the Congo-case 2 Norwegians are sentenced to death for espionage and murder without any evidence, and a huge claim is directed to Norway.
What about the Norwegian reaction? Consular aid and careful negotiations with Congo and at the same time Norwegian aid to Congo hasn’t changed! Over 800 million NOK is transferred to Congo in the period they’ve been there.
This is UNIQUE in the world. There is no other nation that has “overlooked” an espionage-case like this. Can anyone find an example of another nation that keeps the money flowing in to a nation that holds its own citizens on death row for espionage I would like to hear about it! So why is this happening? I don’t have another answer than they don’t take Congo as a nation serious. They know about the chaos, mess and corruption that exists and views that a country in this level of development can’t be taken too seriously. That the whole case and the espionage verdict and the settlement claim really are just nonsense, that can’t be taken seriously. We can’t relate to it, and continues the aid etc as before. This attitude must be considered as a huge insult.
Norway with its money power, that among others are used for aid should’ve solved this case a long time ago. There is no doubt that this case should’ve been solved a long time ago, and can be solved at any time if they use the means at hand.
The conditions in the prison in Kinshasa have deteriorated severely. They have been hit and tormented in every way. Robbed and blackmailed every day. Magazines and papers are taken from them. Beaten up when they report of misconduct.
The abuse is endless.
This case is a disgrace for Norway that’s allowing this to happen, and for Congo that executes it.
Knut Moland, February 15th 2012
