Congo prosecutor wants death penalty for Norwegians

Joshua French (27) and Tjostolv Moland (28) have been charged with murder, attempted murder, espionage, conspiracy and armed robbery after their driver was found dead with a gunshot wound to his head east of the city of Kisangani.

The two Norwegians both deny the accusations, saying the driver was shot in an ambush by a group of guerillas while driving through the Okapi National Park.

The prosecution had earlier demanded a total of US $ 500 billion in damages from the Norwegian state.

According to reports, the two say they were in the process of setting up a private security company in the region. They previously served in Norway’s armed forces.

The verdict is expected to be handed down by the military court next week.

Source: Reuters.com / Norway Post / Aftenposten.