Delay in Norwegians' Congo murder trial

Kisangani, Democratic Republic of Congo - A verdict in the appeal of two Norwegian ex-soldiers sentenced to death for the murder of their driver in the Democratic Republic of Congo has been delayed until Thursday, the court said.

Officials at the military court said on Saturday - the day the verdict had been expected - that the delay occurred because judges had not finished preparing their written decision.

Tjostolv Moland, 28, and Joshua French, 27, are appealing a death sentence imposed by a lower court which caused a storm of protest from the Norwegian government when it was handed down in September.

They were convicted of the May 5 murder of the driver of a vehicle they rented in Kisangani in mineral-rich Orientale province.

The two, who were in Kisangani either as tourists or on business depending on varying reports, have said their driver was killed by bandits. They have maintained their innocence.

According to a source close to the case, Moland is reported to have acknowledged some responsibility for the driver's death although he has flatly denied murder. Moland has been stricken by health problems during his detention.

The defendants, who ran a security company in neighbouring Uganda, are also charged with spying, illegal possession of a weapon, armed robbery and criminal association, all charges on which they were convicted in their first trial.

Oslo said the men had no ties to the Norwegian government. French also has British nationality. - Sapa-AFP