Congo Murder Trial of Two Norwegians Set to Begin on Friday
The murder trial for two Norwegian security guards begins Friday in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Tjostolv Moland, age 28 and Joshua French, 27 are charged with the shooting death of their hired driver Adebi Kasongo which occurred on the 5th of May. Additional charges against the two include espionage and various weapons violations.
Authorities believe the two men shot and killed their driver on an isolated section of road between Kisangani and the Ugandan border but thus far the prosecution has not disclosed their theory as to the motive for the crime. For their part the Norwegians insist they are innocent of any wrongdoing but thus far have not indicated who they believe fired the fatal shots.
Tjostolv Moland and Joshua French are charged with the shooting death of their hired driver. Photo courtesy of Thomas Hubert/Aftenposten.
Evidence seized recently at the apartment the two men shared in Uganda could play a large role n the eventual outcome of the trial. During the police raid authorities found Norwegian military ID cards, counterfeit United Nations hats, employee ID badges with both the correct and false names of the two men. The employee badges are from a heretofore little known security company named Special Interventions Group (SIG) which is owned by and mostly staffed by Norwegians. During the raid on the apartment authorities also confiscated at least one rifle and a camera containing pictures of the two men on their recent travels in Africa. In one grainy image, believed to have been taken by Mr. French, Mr. Moland is seen smiling as he washes the blood believed to be that of Mr. Kasongo from the inside of the hired car.
Vague Details
Only recently have Moland and French begun discussing their case publicly. Previously French was inexplicably coy about his true identity and had been operating under the name “John Hunt”. Their use of false names likely lead the prosecution to become extra suspicious especially in light of the fact that the two resided in Uganda, with whom the Congo has a long, contentious and bloody past.
As portions of their story emerged it became evident that key details remained undisclosed. Not least of which were what exactly were the two men doing in the restive eastern region of the Congo?
Playing Soldier
Moland and French served briefly in the Norwegian Army’s Telemark Battalion, which in the Norwegian order of battle, is purportedly an elite infantry unit. It is unknown if either deployed operationally during their military service.
The two men had been apparently on somewhat of an African adventure in the months leading up to their arrest. Photos found both on their own camera as well as those sent home to family and friends show the two men posing for tourist-like snap shots at various locations in central Africa.
Moland has previously stated during interviews with Norwegian reporters that the company he founded and insists is legitimate, Special Interventions Group – Uganda and he contends that it “has nothing to do with” other companies with the name Special Interventions Group. This appears to conflict with the recently obtained SIG-Uganda employee ID badges which bear the identical SIG logo and the name false name of Mike Callan and John Hunt each accompanying Moland and French’s respective photographs. Furthermore, the name ‘Mike Callan’, apparently used by Moland, is listed as recently as 2008 on SIG brochures as the Chief Executive Officer of SIG-Uganda.
Representatives from SIG have thus far not commented publicly on the pending trial of Moland and French. However, in previous public interviews members of their staff, including one identifying himself as “John Hunt” had claimed that SIG has executed offensive combat operations in Africa, including in the DRC.
Details regarding the specific business activities undertaken by SIG-Uganda are difficult to ascertain but it is not believed that the venture had proven particularly lucrative for Moland, who asserted himself in recent interviews as the primary owner. In addition to offering security services both Moland and French we also said to be “attempting to organize corporate adventure tours” in partnership with a large international travel company but thus far Moland or French have refused to disclose the name of the company.
Low Tech, High Stakes
The physical conditions that the accused find them selves in now are deplorable, despite the fact that they apparently occupy the best cell in the filthy and antiquated Kisangani jail. Their ragged physical appearance and Spartan treatment thus far gives a clear indication of the sophistication of the trial that likely awaits them. Interestingly, both men have been confined together which in almost all circumstances would not have been the norm. Their time together will have certainly given them time to corroborate details of their defense and this could make it difficult for the prosecution if they are unable to present a compelling enough case.
It is not expected that much if any forensic or physical evidence of value will be presented at the trial. Instead the prosecution seems to place the majority of its case in witness testimony and circumstantial evidence.
So, as early as Friday perhaps additional details will emerge regarding the events that lead to the death of Adebi Kasongo. If convicted on the murder charge the two men could receive a life sentence to be served in a Congo prison.
