A court in the Democratic Republic of Congo was supposed to issue its ruling on Tuesday regarding the new murder charges against Norwegian-British defendant Joshua French, but proceedings were postponed once again. The judge referred to a letter from Norwegian authorities that claimed French has developed a stress-related illness and was in a vulnerable situation.
Norwegian Broadcasting (NRK) reported that Judge Serge Kabondo read aloud from the letter received from the Norwegian consulate in Congo, and after some debate over its authenticity, announced that his ruling would be postponed until Friday. The reason seemed to be concern for French’s health, and a need for the defendant to get some rest before a court verdict on his fate was issued.
Even though the extension was made for French’s benefit, his Norwegian defense attorney called it “unfortunate” because it will be another “enormous ordeal” for him to have to wait even longer for a court verdict.
French is charged with murdering his former Norwegian partner and cell mate last fall. Both men already had faced death sentences over the alleged murder of their driver in Congo nearly five years ago.
newsinenglish.no staff
