Norway’s Foreign Minister denounces death sentences in Congo trial

Two Norwegian citizens were condemned to death at the end of a trial in Kisangi, DR Congo, today. The Minister of Foreign Affairs commented as follows on the verdict:

“The sentencing of the two Norwegian citizens to death is completely unacceptable. Norway is against the death penalty on principle, and I will contact the Congolese Foreign Minister to make our position clear.

“I will emphasise that legal safeguards must be maintained, and that we hold the Congolese authorities responsible for the safety of the two Norwegians. I will also request that Norway’s views are communicated to the appropriate authorities in Kisangani.

“Norway also repudiates the verdict of espionage for Norway and the decision that the Norwegian state must bear joint and several liability for damages. Norway is not a party in this case.

“Representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will remain in Kisangani until further notice to assist the two Norwegian citizens in this difficult situation, and to assess what kind of help they will need in the time ahead.

“Norway’s Ambassador to DR Congo will meet the Congolese authorities in Kinshasha today to pass on this message. It will also be communicated to the DR Congo’s Embassy in Stockholm.”