You thought claims in US courts were high?

[CJvR]

Gimme!

In the Republic of Congo, a surreal scenario is playing out: Two Norwegian citizens, Tjostolv Moland and Joshua French, have been jailed, apparently due to involvement in a murderscene in which an innocent cabdriver was killed. The Republic of Congo claims the Norwegians killed the driver over a money dispute – the Norwegians claims they were nothing more than witnesses to the crime, perpetrated by unknown gunmen in the middle of the jungle.

In any event, the Republic of Congo is furious – and claims that the killing represents an attack on «the body and soul of Congo itself». And what does Congo think would be a good compenstation for such a hideous crime against the Conglonese people? According to the State Attorney of the Republic of Congo, a mere $500 BILLION dollars will suffice.

Norwegian media is present at the military tribunal hearings, and reports that the demand was put forth today. The Conglonese State Attorney insists that the two backpackers are undercover Norwegian agents, backing up this brash claim by pointing out that the two Norwegians were in fact equipped with – gasp! – Norwegian drivers licenses at the time of their arrest. As such – Congo claims – the state of Norway is morally and economically responsible for any and all wrong-doings their citizens do abroad.

Even though Norway is one of the richest countries in the world, enjoying the second highest GDP per-capita (after Luxembourg), even Disney’s Scrooge McDuck would have a hard time settling a $500 billion dollar debt. If Congo wins forth in their own military tribunal, God help Norway.

Not often you see a whole nation get into the hostage business with such entusiasm.

[lance]

Is it Congolese dollers?

[CaptainChewbacca]

Isn't Norway well known for being the only country on earth that doesn't spy on anyone and doesn't have ANY enemies? What POSSIBLE reason could the government of norway have to sent two agents to kill a cab driver in the middle of the Congo? He lives in THE CONGO! Wait 2 years and he'll die anyway.

[Darth Tanner]

What POSSIBLE reason could the government of norway have to sent two agents to kill a cab driver in the middle of the Congo?

They don't claim their state agents, just that there was a 'money dispute'. I'm unsure how they involve the Norwegian government other than an excuse to claim such a large sum of money which privates citizens obviously cant raise themselves.

Is it Congolese dollers?

Congo uses francs.

If Congo wins forth in their own military tribunal, God help Norway.

Yeah because obviously Norway is bound by decisions from a military tribunal in the Congo.

Isn't Norway well known for being the only country on earth that doesn't spy on anyone

Where does that come from, why would Norway not spy on other governments?

[Simon_Jester]

Because they don't care and honestly prefer to remain neutral? I don't know; maybe they're like Switzerland.

[Thunderfire]

Because they don't care and honestly prefer to remain neutral? I don't know; maybe they're like Switzerland.

Norway is a NATO member since 1949 which means that they are one of the founding members.

[Koolaidkirby]

Isn't Norway well known for being the only country on earth that doesn't spy on anyone and doesn't have ANY enemies? What POSSIBLE reason could the government of norway have to sent two agents to kill a cab driver in the middle of the Congo? He lives in THE CONGO! Wait 2 years and he'll die anyway.

I think that's Iceland.

[Norseman]

I should mention a few facts that aren't available in English language sources, but are available in Norwegian newspapers.

* The two Norwegians wanted to set up a security company.
* The Congolese claim that the espionage was linked to diamond mines.
* In Kenya (I think, this is from memory) they found that one of the Norwegians had a hunting rifle. This was a nice precision made Norwegian rifle which the Congolese claimed was a sniper rifle. It was a gift from his father. The Congolese also claim that this proves the Norwegians are spies since normal people don't have access to weapons.
* Both Norwegians served in the Norwegian Army, at least one of them in the Telemark Bataljon, which is a high-readiness force. However for some reason the Congolese claim they learned to be elite spies by serving in Hans Majestet Kongens Garde (His Majesty the King's Guard), since only such elite soldiers could resist the interrogation.
* The Norwegians have publicly stated that the trial is a sham, that they refuse to make any statements to the court, and that they don't recognise its validity. Their defence attorney has followed suit stating that he intends to take this case to a higher court. This of course has enraged the prosecutor and the judge.
* When the Congolese guards in prison threatened to shoot them they, the Norwegians, shouted back, "Shoot you bastards! Go ahead! Shoot us!"

So yeah, fun trial.

And Norway doesn't spy on foreign nations. Our intelligence apparatus seems fairly competent at domestic matters, but that's as far as it goes.

EDIT: I nearly forgot to mention that Hans Majestet Kongens Garde is a honour guard unit mainly known for its excellent drill. Though they do function as the kings bodyguards as well. Not generally known for SERE training or espionage though.

[PeZook]

Jesus christ, the Congolese (is that even a word?) guys sound like freakin' cartoon villains. Seriously, if you want to do a sham trial, at least don't make claims that make you sound like Dr. Evil.

[CJvR]

Is it Congolese dollers?

No US$.
But if they agree ot take Zimbabwe $ then the main problem will be to get change on the trillion dollar bill...

[Norseman]

Jesus christ, the Congolese (is that even a word?) guys sound like freakin' cartoon villains. Seriously, if you want to do a sham trial, at least don't make claims that make you sound like Dr. Evil.

Congelese is a word.

Also the prosecutor has asked for five death sentences for each of the Norwegians.

[[R_H]]

Jesus christ, the Congolese (is that even a word?) guys sound like freakin' cartoon villains. Seriously, if you want to do a sham trial, at least don't make claims that make you sound like Dr. Evil.

Congelese is a word.

Also the prosecutor has asked for five death sentences for each of the Norwegians.

Five death sentences for one person? Will they kill them and then quarter them, or how is that supposed to work?

[Artemas]

Is this THE Republic of Congo, or the DRC? IE, Congo-Brazzaville, or Congo-Kinshasa.

Does the prosecution seriously expect this silly plan to succeed?

[Fingolfin_Noldor]

Five death sentences for one person? Will they kill them and then quarter them, or how is that supposed to work?

Considering the US gives hundreds year sentences...

[Norseman]

Is this THE Republic of Congo, or the DRC? IE, Congo-Brazzaville, or Congo-Kinshasa.

Does the prosecution seriously expect this silly plan to succeed?

Kinshasa and apparently it's only to appeal to the locals where the murder was committed. Once the case is over and an appeal is made I hope we can make it go away.

[KroLazuxy_87]

Five death sentences for one person? Will they kill them and then quarter them, or how is that supposed to work?

Considering the US gives hundreds year sentences...

Long sentences like that usually stem from being tried for multiple offenses each, and the years simply adding up. If the decision on one of the charges is overturned, the perp doesn't walk. Also a hundred year sentence pushes parole out of reach, while a thirty year sentence may only end up being 12-18.

The odd part of asking for 5 death sentences each, is that they are only being accused(it seems) of one crime. If they'd killed five people, it would make more sense.

[Norseman]

The odd part of asking for 5 death sentences each, is that they are only being accused(it seems) of one crime. If they'd killed five people, it would make more sense.

One death sentence is for being Norwegian spies...