Congo to start new case against 2 Norwegians earlier sentenced to death for espionage, murder

Congo to start anew in case against 2 Norwegians

KINSHASA, Congo — A Congolese military judge says he has thrown out a ruling that sentenced two Norwegians to death on espionage and murder charges and ordered a new case.

Col. Kosolo Muyombela says a military court in Kisangani did not follow proper procedures when it convicted the two men in May. He says judges will be sent from Kinshasa, the capital, for the new case. He did not say what charges the men would face.

The two men, both former Norwegian soldiers, were convicted of murdering their driver and attempting to murder a witness. The alleged motive behind the killing is unknown.

The court also convicted them of spying for Norway because they were carrying military ID cards at the time. The Norwegian government has denied the men were Norwegian spies.