Original subtitles

There are some men who are simply what I call violent men.

I do not mean that they are violent against their wife,

or that they are out of control, but they are drawn to professions

that are perhaps more in the direction of adventure.

It's not just Tjostolv and me.

It is simply a male type.

I think Norway has become so soft

that there's no room for people like us anymore.

I think war is healthy,

that war is a natural part of human identity.

To have contradictions.

And if you understand that there are different types of people then oneself,

and then accept that this kind of man exists,

then you have come halfway to understand.

I exists. And Tjostolv existed.

And the others exist.

And I believe in what is called "Big boys rules".

You may be willing to kill...

But you can also be a nice guy.

Based on a true story

Two Norwegians are called in to interrogations in Congo

after their driver was found killed.

The Republic of Congo is the scene

of the worst humanitarian crisis in the world according to the United Nations.

Deadliest conflict since World War Two.

The two Norwegians who are imprisoned in Congo live in very bad conditions.

Lord Nkunda's CNDP fighters are still heavily armed

and waiting just across the border in Uganda to attack at any given moment.

Hoping for Nkunda's return to be their leader.

MURDERS IN CONGO

UGANDA, 2009

Thank you, sir.

- There he is! It was a long trip. - Yes, sir.

This is the friend I talked about, this is John.

- How are you? Well? - Nice to... Yes.

- Did you sleep on the plane? - No, not at all.

- Okay. Let's go inside then. - I got enough sleep at home.

It's not a lot of action at home?

It's the swine flu, you know. So we must be careful with contact.

Down here, we're not scared of swine flu.

Yes, we're on backpacking.

No it's Saturday here,

so there's a lot of batik, dreadlocks and didgeridoo.

It's a big, Australian flute for those who smoke a lot of weed.

I think we will be a bit out of service in the days

that come because of the trip.

We know what we are doing.

Or Tjostolv knows what he's doing. He's an African anarchist.

No, I'm just kidding.

I'll be come before 17th May. We will celebrate together.

You can forget that celebration. It's not gonna happen.

No, it's just... What? It's Tjostolv, he says hi.

No, it's... Yes.

- Why doesn't your girlfriend like me? - Why she doesn't like you?

You know that.

It's because you're an asshole.

He controls all the battles by himself, right.

- He is a legend down here. - It's that him?

Hey, Luc. Hi.

- How are you? - Okay.

- Mike. - This is John.

John.

- Any news on Nkunda? - Safe as can be.

The Rwandan brothers of ours is looking after him.

So now it's finally peace in the Eastern Congo?

You know what they say.

It's only the dead who has seen the end of the war in Congo.

So we're all here. What is the next step?

I need you to go on a recon inside Congo and locate some valuables.

Since Nkunda got taken, all our funds have been cut off.

Now, over the years we've been trying to gather the resources

to maintain this battle against the regime.

But it has all been taken.

The Congolese army stole everything, and now he want it back.

We have reason to believe the valuables are located in Kisangani.

We need this confirmed.

And what is it?

Is it gold? Diamonds?

I'm gonna give you the address of someone in Congo.

His name is Eddie. And he knows the location. For a price.

If you are successful in locating the valuables,

then we're going to move on to the next phase of this mission.

When we attack that target to get what is truly ours.

So are you still recruiting men for that part of the operation?

We're working on it, sir. Absolutely.

Good. Excuse me.

It looks good to me.

Okay, this is your payment for Eddy. Ten thousand dollars.

And this is your budget. And the address, for Eddie.

Now if the Congolese authority arrest you,

and you mention my name and the CNDP rebels, you're not gonna survive.

We understand.

It's happening now, you know. It's happening now.

You are aware that you are going to be here, this is the big thing, right.

- You're not home in three weeks. - I'm going home to my girlfriend.

You are going home to your girlfriend, but not in three weeks.

I'm going to celebrate the 17th of May.

Yeah right, 17th of May.

Give me her number. Let me see.

Yes, hello. This is Tjostolv Moland calling. Joshua French superior.

I have to inform you that he's going to stay here in Africa for a while.

Actually for quite some time. We need his service here.

The thing is, no one can do what he does.

No one can do it like him.

Or life is here.

It's not in Norway.

Look at this bowtie that I have on.

It's so nice, red, white and blue.

I'm waiting, my mom is soon picking me up, and then we're walking together.

Forward.

Motorcycle here.

- Where's the passport? - Passport.

Yes, sir.

Take them off.

Take your sunglasses off.

Okay. Here.

This is for you.

- Don't touch the bike. - Eddie... Do you know where he lives?

- Yeah. Up. - Up there?

- You watch the bike, okay? - Okay.

Get away from the bike.

Go away.

Hey. He's in there? Eddie?

You come too early.

- No, we were supposed to come today. - Today is not good.

- Today's perfect. - Eddie's not here. He had to leave.

Where is he? Hey.

Where the fuck is Eddie?

- Got the money for Eddie? - We have everything that we agreed on.

What's wrong?

Wait here.

What's wrong?

I will give you the number for Eddie. You have the money, right?

- We have everything that we agreed on. - Time to go?

- Yes, he's just very stressed. - Can we just go?

Yes. Alright. Thank you.

We are going to dig down those money before we arrive Kisangani.

Problem with the bike, sir? I can see you struggling.

Where you from?

You know a place where we can fix it, a garage?

It's damage, but we can fix it.

- Yeah, we can speak tomorrow. - Are you sure tomorrow?

- We can speak tomorrow. - Cool. I'll wait for you tomorrow.

- See you tomorrow guys! - Yeah, tomorrow.

- Hi. You have a room? - How many?

One, two. Two people.

My body hurts so much.

It feels like my balls have become one big ball in the middle.

We were gonna in Kisangani, so we meet you...

Eddie, listen. No, that's not the deal.

We meet you in Kisangani tomorrow, that was the deal.

He refuses to meet us in the city, he is afraid of the intelligence service.

Why?

Okay, good. Listen. We meet you at road mark 110.

Yes, towards Bafwasende.

Road mark 110, yes, tomorrow.

- Bye. - What is the arrangements now?

We are going to meet him at...

But we have in intelligence service after us?

I mean, I don't know for sure.

The intelligence service is the strongest institution in Congo.

So you never know. But then it's better to meet him on the road mark.

This is just an African thing, he doesn't want to meet us,

and we have to adjust the agreement a little bit.

- Do you see something? - No.

The intelligence service need to sleep, you know.

It's not too late to back out.

- Can you fix it? - No.

- He say he can't. - Why?

Don't have this part.

Call in the part.

- Say two weeks. - Two weeks?

Yes, two weeks. If you order it just now, one week is okay.

- Then it will take one week? - Yes... If you just order it know.

- It's fine, we're done. - This guy... Is the perfect guy.

We need a car.

- Okay? - Someone asked for you.

Who?

- Who asked for us? - I think they were from immigration.

- What did they want? - They said they will come back.

Okay. Alright, we need a driver, sir.

- We're going to Bafwasende. - Can you call a driver?

- Big boss, how are you today? - I'm good.

- Are you leaving? - We're going to Bafwasende.

It needs to be a pickup truck, or a car that can drive...

I can get for you a best car. A best car in Kisangani.

- Thank, we don't need it, thank you. - The best car in Kisangani.

- Sir? Can you make a phone call? - The best car in Kisangani.

My friend can come in one minute.

I think that the driver is arrived.

If it's him, I think we're going to be off in ten minutes. Just a second.

- Hello. The hotel called you? - Yes, sir.

- One hundred dollars for everything? - Hundred dollars, okay.

- Where do you wanna go? - Didn't the hotel tell you?

- Who are these guys? - No, they're with me,

- They're going the same way. - To Bafwasende?

Just a bit beyond. They'll sit in the back, no problem.

Wait! Careful, careful with that.

No, I'm still here. Yeah. We'll meet at road mark 110.

Okay. We're gonna leave in 15 minute. Thank you.

- Alright. Bye. What? - Hundred dollar more for the bike.

He wants hundred dollar extra for the bike.

Of course he wants that, I'm getting so mad.

We had a deal, one hundred dollars for everything.

Hundred dollars for you guys, you have a bike, the bike takes space.

- No. Takes space? - Guys, can you help me with the bike?

- We agreed one hundred dollars. - Fifty.

Twenty, what's your name?

Abedi Kasongo.

- Why are we stopping? - He's calling his wife.

"Various food products"

- Who was that? - It's my wife.

Again your wife?

Why don't you answer?

- I'm a busy man. - Busy man?

Now we're one...

106

It's not far away.

Okay, stop. Stop the car.

Okay Josh, go!

Go now!

Drive the fucking car!

Go.

You killed your friend, right?

It was only you two in that cell.

It's murder and he deserve the punishment.

4 years later

It's important that we clear up any questions

or misunderstandings around Mr. Moland's death.

Tell me what happened.

You got drunk, one thing lead to another,

and then you end up fighting each other. Is this what happened?

Tjostolv was accused of murder. You are only accused of being an accomplice.

Is this what you were fighting about, is a cause of conflict.

No.

But Joshua, you know, you have lied about many things.

How can I believe you?

Come on, my friend.

Joshua, you have a habit of lying.

It's like a disease with you.

Did you or did you not kill Mr. Moland?

Joshua?

My name is Halvard Moe. I'm from Kripos.

- I'm sorry I'm coming so abruptly... - What was your name again?

My name is Halvard. Halvard Mo.

We are here to assist Congolese police, and that is Ane Strom Olsen.

She is a special sending from UD, and she will help us.

I have been presented with a Congolese forensic investigation.

After what we have seen, we have come up with some preliminary conclusions

that have given us a clear picture of the course of events.

He had put on his shirt.

The shoes.

We also have people who will participate in the reconstruction here

and will attend the forensic investigations

and make sure things go after the book.

I see you later, okay?

- Ane Strom Olsen. - Joshua.

Yes...

I'm here to make sure you're taken good care of,

and I'm helping UD in some cases.

- Why did they send you? - What?

Why did they send you?

Because... I have worked with these sort of cases before.

- In Congo? - No.

Not in Congo, but in Middle East, North Africa, the Ivory Coast.

How are you doing?

You know, I don't really know what happened here.

Can you tell me something about it?

- You been here for, how many years? - We have been here for four years.

And you've been trying to get me out for four years

and what that has led to is me probably being accused of killing my best friend.

That's why I'm here.

Maybe a little bit too late. Just a little.

As long as you are not charged with the murder of Tjostolv Moland,

we believe we will be able to pardon.

But there is a lot of prestige here, so the Congolese people want something

they can show off to the outside world and say "see, we told you so".

Now the last man can go.

And what is that?

What do they need to show off?

I need you to acknowledge that Tjostolv Moland

shot and killed the driver Abedi Kasongo.

Fuck... Luc does not answer.

Mike...

Yeah, he was shot.

He was shot and killed, I don't know!

We need to get out of this country.

Okay, yeah, we can do that.

I'll send you coordinates when we get there.

What does he say?

Okay. We need to go to the Epulu Park,

and he will send someone to pick us up tomorrow morning.

Tomorrow morning? Are we going to sleep in the Epulu Park?

And wait for someone to fuck us over?

There are fifteen checkpoints before we come to Uganda.

The rumor has spread. We are two white men in a vegetable truck.

It does not look very good, does it?

- Fuck... - It's okay.

We're military attaches. From Norway. We're in a hurry.

We do not have time to stand here, open the gate, we're in a hurry.

Open the gate! This is the Ministry of Defense! Norway!

Thank you, lieutenant.

Damn.

Okay, let us find a place to camp.

You are not living inside a box, I can tell you that.

Joshua.

Come on!

Hello.

Water?

Joshua.

No!

I'm coming up. No weapons. Norwegian military. I have no weapon.

Norwegian military...

Stop.

I have no weapons.

Fuck.

Tell them to stop shooting.

I am a Norwegian military.

Ministry of Defense. Kingdom of Norway.

Show me your ID.

- They say you shot your driver. - No.

We have not shot anybody.

We have not shot anybody.

Sir!

Don't worry. I'll help you.

I'm a Norwegian soldier. I work for the government.

Sir.

Please.

This is your host. General Kazumba.

Come. Join us.

Do you like fish, Mr. French?

Yes. I like fish.

Good.

It's important that we all cooperate.

Mr. Kapu and Mr. Aradjbo have been very forthcoming

and told us exactly what happened with Mr. Kasongo when he died.

Yes, that is the name of the driver.

The man who drove you and your friend from Kisangani.

Plenty of fish in Norway.

Fish and oil.

A very rich country.

A toast. To Norway.

Do you know what happened to my friend, sir?

We buried your friend in the bush.

So why come here?

You know this a very dangerous place.

We came for the adventure.

Did you find it?

This is Miss Bebiche Olendjeke.

She was married to Abedi Kasongo.

The man you murdered.

I am so sorry for your loss.

This is a very sad day for you.

And for the Congo.

You now... White men have been coming here, for centuries.

All for their own amusement.

We never get to join in the fun.

You know, Congo is a very rich country too.

Yet we're being looted every day, as we have been throughout our history.

By America. France. Belgium.

Portugal. And now Norway?

Rwanda and Norway have the money for compensation.

For Miss Olenjike. For Kepo.

For Aradjabo. For me.

And for the people of the Republic of Congo.

Enjoy your adventure, Mr. French.

Get out!

Get out!

Have you been to Kisagani before?

- Never. - But you have been to the Congo?

No.

In the Congo, spies are valuable, Mr. French.

I am not a spy, sir.

Moland. You and Moland.

Moland. You and Moland.

- I'm not a spy, sir. - You are a soldier!

I do not work for the Norwegian military anymore.

You see these ID cards?

They are not fake, they are real!

Because you are soldiers and working for the Norwegian military!

Ministry of Defense. Rank and name.

Joshua French. Expiry date: 8 January 2016.

- 2016! - Sit down.

- We don't say anything. - English!

- You know that man? - Yes.

- Joseph Kabila Kabange. - He's the leader of this country.

The Rwandan government killed his father.

Do you think he like it that you work for the people that killed his father?

Norwegian authorities will get us home in a few days..

What are you saying to him?

I'm only saying that Norway will get us home.

They are using our ID cards

to prove that we are spies.

Water?

Hey. I'm sorry about yesterday, I was a little bit grumpy

because I did not sleep that well, but today I'm better.

- Okay, that's good. - Yes.

The Congolese people are very sensitive

when people do not show them enough respect.

Yes, they will be very offended.

It is very Congolese to be offended, it is an imposed feeling.

So you gave to do everything you can to take back that feeling from them.

- Yes, they want money, right. - They always want money.

And in other cases, kidnappings and other things...

- That's something UD does not give. - Yeah, you have made that very clear.

But that's because Norway is completely different

to such matters than any other country.

It has been responded in a completely abnormal way.

What do you mean?

Statistically speaking,

foreign citizens are convicted in Congo for maximum two years.

If I had been a Belgian citizen, I'd been out of there in like twelve hours.

- You believe that? - I know that.

And that's because they know that can't always follow the book here in Africa.

Belgium does not have the best track record in Congo, but...

It's an important principle for the UD. That you respect the state anyway.

It does not change because two Norwegians are sitting in jail in Congo.

Why do you think I'm here?

You are here because Tjostolv Moland and you

are convicted for shooting and killing Abedi Kasongo.

And I'm here because Tjostolv was found dead in your cell with you.

And what I know is that the Norwegian state cannot pay you out...

Do you think I'm guilty, in that?

So the Congolese need something else.

What? Tjostolv did not kill Abedi Kasongo...

- I do not care. - To tell a lie.

I don't want to stand in a situation

where we must un-offend the Congolese authorities

because you don't show them enough respect.

I...

If you will be sentenced in two killing cases, there is very little we can do.

You may think we've been cracky and that this look like Rambo one and two

who's going bananas in a killing trend trough Africa, that's not true.

I'm genuinely interested in Africa, and Tjostolv loved Africa.

I'm genuinely interested in history, we were genuinely interested in security.

Tjostolv and I were professional soldiers.

And we can do it, we have tried,

but we can't settle down in Norway with regular jobs.

There must be room for us too. Somewhere.

Do we not even get permission, like, I've had motocross as a hobby,

but it's Africa that pulls, are we not allowed to go on adventures alone?

It must be allowed to take some risks and drive through East Congo,

because it's cool, right.

For us it was cool.

Even though it weird.

But that's who I am, and that was who he was.

You mean you were just tourists in a motorcycle ride?

I've never used the word tourists.

I'm done talking with Joshua.

Moland invites you to Africa. He recruits you to his company.

He writes a letter to Laurent Nkunda,

a rebel leader charged with war crimes,

associates contacts with groups who wish bring down Joseph Kabila

and the sitting government in the country in which you enter.

And it's him who fix the mission for you here in Congo.

I respect that it's hard to understand...

Where would you be if you had not meet Tjostolv?

Do you think you would be here?

Today Joshua, we will be legends.

Quiet!

The accused rise.

The accused, stand up please.

Yes...

I have the following statement to make.

I consider this court, unfortunately, a political farce,

and I'm not going to participate verbally,

only physically in this trial from now on.

Mr. Moland considers this court a political farce.

Quiet!

Judge, we ask the witness Aradjaco to take place.

Get out!

Get out!

For the murder of Abedi Kasongo,

Tjostolv Moland is sentenced to death seven times.

Joshua French is sentenced to death for an accessory to murder.

For forming a criminal association...

You are absolutely wrong.

And for being in possession of military weapons.

Silence, please!

Moland and French are found guilty of espionage

on behalf of the state of Norway, and the Norwegian king.

The Norwegian state is hereby sentenced

to pay damages of 50 billion dollars to the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Hey.

Sir?

- Where are the guards? - No guards here, my friend.

They're on the outside. No keys here, no rules.

There's your ex-army people. Congolese military.

Over there, you've got your former rebels.

CNDP, MRC, RK, you name it.

Some of them don't even know who they fought for.

But you... You're the spies.

In here, there's only one rule.

No politics.

Never mention any names, swear no allegiances...

Stay neutral.

Hey? Go away, go!

We have to sleep on shift.

- You take the first shift. - Okay.

- Give me a cigarette. - No.

Give me one.

If I give you a cigarette, you'll give me two back.

Okay.

How old are you?

Fifteen.

- Are you a soldier? - Maybe.

I'm one too.

In the forest, the trainers...

They say you gotta kill that guy.

You really gotta do it.

Cut the heads... And the hands.

Did you kill someone before?

What happened to your hand?

Let me see.

You need to keep this clean.

Hold it. Hold.

Mike. Tjostolv.

I need to show you something.

Where are you going when we get out?

So far away from Congo I can get.

I don't want to go back to Norway.

Maybe I travel straight to Jamilla.

Depends if Uganda want me there,

we have to meet in Kenya or some other place.

I can't go back to Norway.

Be celebrity and go on celebrity parties,

and be Rune Rudberg on a bad day. I don't want that.

I thought about something else. I can travel down to Wild Life Conservation,

watch wild animals, chase poachers and see the legends down there.

Yeah, maybe that's my call.

So, I will be there for the rest of...

My life, for example.

Stop.

Move out of the way. Go! Go the fuck away.

Stop.

What did you do? Ask him how long he's had it.

- How long have you had it? - Why didn't he clean it?

- Why didn't he clean it? - He's stupid.

Tjostolv, can you bring me Bacimaycin?

Mike?

There are many people at home who are very fond of African singing and stuff,

but it's usually those who have never been to Africa.

- You can take it down. Finish. - Merci.

Hi, are you in pain?

You're not in pain? You are in pain?

Yes or no you're not in pain?

No, okay, move the fuck on. You're... He's not sick.

Fuck off. Next patient.

TOWARDS THE ABYSS

- Joshua. - Furuholmen.

I'm your lawyer.

Yes, I saw.

Tjostolv?

We have a visitor.

- Hey. - Hey.

- Yeah, I'm a little bit dirty. - Yes, I am Furuholmen, lawyer.

- It's about the appeal. - Great.

We work hard on all fronts and UD does what they can,

but there has been a letter

that makes this matter a bit more difficult for us politically.

This was found on Tjostolv laptop, did you write it?

What kind of letter is it?

It is a tribute to Laurent Nkunda, where you offer your services to him.

- I did not write that letter. - But Tjostolv did, on behalf of you.

"Give me your command, and I'll be your loyal servant."

Yes, but that's just fake, that's how they're behaving.

It's all about money.

Tjostolv, this is very complicated.

No, it's very easy. You just pay, because it called "but,"

and then it's called "bot," and then it's called "ubutu."

And in Africa, when you have paid ubutu, then it's over, then it's done.

Then I can go to church with that widow and play with her kids.

And that's okay, because this is Africa, it's not Norway.

Things are totally different here.

But you don't understand that, but that's okay.

It's far away from okay right now.

In regards to the forensic rapport on Mr. Moland's death,

it has now been concluded

and both Norwegian and Congolese authorities have signed off on it.

We are in complete agreement on our findings

that there are no grounds to suspect that any criminal act

played a part in Mr. Moland's death.

This is very good news.

You know that, right?

Joshua, I know you been through this many times. You were going home.

But this time is different, we have ever been so close like we are now.

You have this chance, that's all you got.

And you have to take it.

See you tomorrow.

You know what we call these little fuckers?

Soldiers of darkness.

They fucking the dead, and make little fucker babies,

everything to take over the world.

- So why are you here? - Same as you.

Because a crime has been committed,

and here,

a crime cannot be a crime without a criminal.

And someone decided the stability of the regime

was more important than the search for the truth.

- What kind of crime is it? - It doesn't matter what I did.

As long as the system decide that I did.

To the soldiers of darkness.

- Cheers. - Merry Christmas.

Mike! Tjostolv?

You know in the Bible...

Paulus got blind so he could see.

Right?

We should have gotten two.

We should have gotten two of what?

Two motorcycles.

- What's that? - Chloroquine.

- For what disease? - Yes, I suspect malaria...

Brain malaria.

Why not Quinine?

Quinine is not good for him.

Okay, relax.

- Okay, I need to give double dose. - No.

- Why are you... - No, no more. No!

What is this drug? It is not what you're saying it is.

- It's Chloroquine. - It's not Chloroquine, what is it?

Okay, relax brother, relax.

Mike.

There you go.

Are you treated well?

Yes, I'm fine. But they've got Tjostolv

what they call medical treatment down here, so that's a whole other story.

I've been in Bogstadveien.

You guys did not behave after the book in the first trail.

But that was not a trail.

No, but it is important to act neatly anyway.

Important to show respect in the courtroom, right?

Can we agree on not to behave like fools in the courtroom this time?

- Yes, that's fine. - Can we agree on that?

Yeah, sure.

We will try to get you out, right?

See you tomorrow, try to get some sleep.

I don't know if I want to say so much today.

You don't have to say anything at all.

Silence!

The trial can begin.

We were on our way to Bafwasende...

I'm cold.

- I'm cold, I need my jacket. - Come. Sit.

Can you make to give me my jacket, I need my jacket.

Respect the court!

Can you give me my jacket, please? Yes! Can you give me my jacket?

Yes, sit. Alright, sit down.

I'm gonna wear my jacket.

Am I wrong?

Am I wrong?

Is it me who is failing everyone now, am I wrong?

Calm down.

I'm never wrong!

If he's going to be killed, am I wrong,

and there's no one in this hell who want to look at me.

If you don't calm down, I'm going to get you thrown out.

Sit down.

Yes, I'm done. I'm done. Yes.

Furuholmen, you are always right.

My client is completely unstable at the moment.

I propose that the court pause today

so that the experts and doctors can investigate Moland.

Mr. Moland is a brilliant actor.

And an experienced criminal.

I need no further explanation.

Everything is clear to me. It is certainly clear to you too.

"We want to offer you our service and our support, general."

"We can train, direct and motivate your troops"

"to carry out special operations at a high military level."

"Give me an order and I will be your loyal servant."

Mr. President. Tribunal.

Mr. Moland is in a state in which he is not sane.

- This is an assault against him. - I did not kill Abedi Kasongo.

Myself.

And I have apologized to the family that he ended up in that situation.

The Congolese army put up an ambush where we were attacked,

and in this ambush, a civilian, Mr. Abedi Kasongo, was killed.

And because the Congolese Army are too cowardly

to take responsibilities for his death,

I take responsibility, because I am already dead!

For which purpose have you been in contact with Laurent Nkunda?

I have never confirmed that I work for Laurent Nkunda,

I say I ideologically support his cause.

And I personally believe he is the right man to lead this country.

Are you trying to kill us? Is that what you want? To kill me?

Kill me then! Come on!

What do you think it's the chance to be pardoned now?

When you can't keep your mouth shut!

You are insane! Come on!

Run.

Welcome to Ndolo.

Come on!

Stay down, Mike!

Stay down! Mike!

Mike! Get down!

So... You are at the service of Laurent Nkunda.

This is the Congo.

- Do you want to say hi? - No...

Hey.

Hey.

A lot of greetings from Hanna and everyone in Norway.

- That's nice. - They are thinking of you.

Thanks.

I was here yesterday, but they would not let me in,

so this cake is from yesterday, I did not have the time...

I don't know?

No, well, maybe we can just keep it in the bag.

Yes, we can do that. Yeah.

So, how are you doing?

- We are doing good. - Yeah?

We are good, we are great.

Yeah... I need to touch you.

It's been so long.

Tjostolv wanted to say hi to you,

but he is not feeling well.

- He look bad. - Yeah, he does not sleep that well.

And you? Are you sleeping?

No, I'm just sleeping a little bit bad.

Yeah.

We need to pray for Tjostolv too.

Do you pray?

Praying directly for him? No.

- Not directly. - It's never too late you know.

- We pray mom, we pray. - Yeah.

Yeah.

Yes, I met the British Consulate.

- How did it go? - I had a good feeling.

So things are happening.

I have planned some things down here and kept in touch with Norway and...

So there's a lot to do. But that's what keeps me going, it's important.

I thought we might be able to sit in that area of visit?

But maybe I should go in with these things so they do not get...

Do that. Put them in the fridge.

Where is the cake that I got from my mom?

Mike? Where is the cake that I got from my mom?

Can you hear what I'm saying? Where's the cake that I got from my mom?

Calm down!

Stop!

What is this?

I do not know what is happening to me.

I do not understand.

Sango.

- What is that? - It's just some food.

Do you have an okay relationship with your mom?

Yes.

You moved out from her house when you were little, didn't you?

- And placed in foster care? - Yeah, but that really drama free.

How do you mean?

I was not very calm as a child,

so my mom fixed a place where I could live with another family, at a farm.

Okay, how long did you live there?

From I was nine until I was around twenty.

Okay, so you did not live with your mom a lot?

You can try to make a psychoanalysis

about why I have become the one I've become,

that someone outside would affect me to be something other then who I am,

but I do not really believe in that.

This is a letter written on behalf of you,

explaining that you acknowledge the verdict you received.

I need you to sign it.

You do not understand me.

And you know nothing about Tjostolv and me.

Mike.

Mike, stop it.

No one dare to look at me.

No one dare to look at me.

- I'm just, calm down. - No...

Sir, we would need some sedatives for his malaria...

Some medicine to make him sleep.

It's important to get him to sleep.

When he can't sleep, I can't sleep.

Are you sure that our doctors here are up to your high Norwegian standards?

That they'd give you the right medicine?

I'm sure they would, sir.

We are going to take him to a place that'll take good care of him,

like you requested.

No, he needs sedatives, just some medicine.

Your friend sounds like a man who needs to be taken good care of.

We need... We don't need to have him to go anywhere, sir.

We only need some sedatives, to make him sleep.

Tinto!

But I want to be here.

If you get on the outside now...

And get a chance...

I want you to take it. Okay, Mike?

Are you down, Mike?

Mike? You are going to get one chance,

and it might be you only chance, so you need to be ready.

Mr. Moland?

I'm trying to help you. You'll be fine there, he'll be taken good care of.

Yeah, okay.

Let's go. Thanks.

There were other smells out there.

And the light was different.

It was very, very strange.

Suddenly I saw that the car door was not looked.

And I understood that I was sitting in a car,

and the door was not looked, and there is a bus 30 meters away.

I do not have handcuffs on, right.

And the road, it was clear.

I...

I was like.... On that bus.

And it's driving down to the quay,

and I can take a boat and drive it over to Brazzaville.

Then I would be free.

But you are not.

No...

- Meat head two. - Meat head one.

Have you ever thought about...

If you were alone?

What do you mean?

If it wasn't for me, you would be home.

In Norway. You could be with your girlfriend and...

Yeah, it would probably only go a month and you would forget Congo,

and the whole prison and the cell.

You are just convicted of involvement, right?

You're history is that you got attacked in the jungle, by how?

By the military.

Two tourists on a motorcycle trip get attacked by the Congolese military,

on a deserted place, in the middle of a highway in Congo?

Because?

Tell me what happened when Kasongo got shot.

- I already told you. - No.

Because if you can't tell me why you were in Congo,

you can't tell me the truth about the murder.

You are forgetting that UD hears every story

that you are telling to journalists, writers, family, friends...

The story you have landed on, does not make sense.

Okay.

The car stops on the right side of the road.

Tjostolv goes here, and you here.

And suddenly there's a shot from the forest that's suppose hit you.

You react by pulling yourself behind the car while you both shoot.

- Tjostolv with a shotgun... - There was no gun...

We know that you had a gun with you in Uganda.

A 9 mm. You can't tell me that you did not choose

to take that gun with you when you entered Congo.

So you both jump on the truck.

But then you notice that the car is not moving, so you run back...

Towards where the shot comes from. Because?

Because nothing happens.

I notice that in a second.

- That the shooting is over? - Everything happens in a few seconds.

But that's why it does not add up, Joshua.

You skip logic and human instincts when you tell your story.

My daughter, who is 8 years old,

understands that one does not run towards where someone is shooting.

But you, with your background, choose to run right in the kill box.

There is one shot, that is meant to hit you, it misses your head,

goes straight through the window, trough Abedi Kasongo's head...

Out on the other side and then disappears into the jungle.

That shot is meant to hit you.

They fired more shots in the air to scare us, like they do in Africa.

But there's one shot that is meant to hit you?

- It can be more shots towards me, yes. - If this was the case.

That Tjostolv shot the driver

because there was a situation that was unrealistic, maybe even fatal...

I have no problem understanding that you can act on impulse.

But I can tell more versions, I can find more versions, for example,

a version could be that we were attacked, which we got,

Tjostolv ran away to the driver saying "go"

the driver does not move, so Tjostolv shoots him,

I run up and pull him of the car, and we drive at full speed.

But Tjostolv did not shot that driver, and either did I.

Get out!

If it's unsafe out there, and they're about to drive away

and leave you in the jungle, in a situation like that?

I could have shot someone in that situation.

- You could have shot in that situation. - You believe that I killed the driver?

No. But I have no problem with understanding if you did.

What happens, Joshua,

when you don't tell the truth, everyone else make up their own.

That's what happens when people lie.

And the version that you are convicted if,

that's what I'm asking you to recognize.

And that's the version that will get you home.

- But I can't. - Why?

If we did it, I would not tell you. I would not. But we did not do it.

But the driver agreed on that trip up there.

And the intelligence service was after him.

So he must have known about what was about to happened.

So he got himself killed.

That was an indirect way of not saying anything. But I did not.

An indirect way of not saying anything?

What you need to keep in mind, is that I'm a violent man.

I have had mercenary assignments in Africa. Several.

I am a violent man, for real. And I am proud of being that down here.

And Tjostolv was a violent man, and I don't say that in a negative way.

Because every soldier is a violent man.

Me and Tjostolv was professional mercenaries.

And we do not shoot an innocent civilian without any reason.

But you said that the intelligence service was after Kasongo.

Yes, they was, most likely.

She is a boat without anchor. She has thought full of thoughts.

And a heart that pounding for things that she believes in.

She does not have shoes on, what are you starring at, your straight jerk?

She is not interested in money or gold

and green meadows or nonsense in soft beds with a daddy like you.

So you get no way to play hero for her,

what makes her turn on is a complete freak.

Like him who's on his way, he can talk all night...

Mike?

Tjostolv? Tjostolv!

Fuck.

Fuck.

Mike!

Tjostolv...

Mike!

Okay... Please help me help you.

Give me something, anything, give me something.

Soon it will be too late.

I have some news.

The military tribunal have decided

to indict Joshua for the killing of Mr. Moland.

I thought you were in agreement with our findings,

that there were no indication of violence?

You haven't given us anything. Nothing.

Now it's up to the courts to decide.

Mr. French!

Has the appearance of a calm person.

But in reality he is extremely dangerous.

If you meet him in a civil environment.

At the beach...

He's ready to open fire.

To him, killing is a child's play.

There exists laws in our country.

This is not Norway, this is Congo.

I am completely sure that the rest of your life...

Should be spent behind bars.

To teach you a lesson.

For life.

To the question whether

it is appropriate to grant him benefit of extenuating circumstances,

by the majority of votes, the answer is yes.

To the question whether the accused is guilty of first degree murder...

By the majority of votes,

and by a distinct and successive secret ballot.

The answer is yes.

Therefore the court condemns Mr. Joshua French,

to serve a lifetime in prison,

for the murder of Mr. Tjostolv Moland.

You ask me to change what I believe in, morally.

My job was to get you home.

While you, for moral reasons, do not do what it takes.

UD knows that they could get us home by paying is out a long time ago.

I've been scared of changing here. I have.

There are very few that has a pure heart.

That is innocently minded. There are very few who's like that.

There is hard for anyone who is. Very few who are.

I may seem a bit clinical and hard and square.

I may seem a little intellectual and...

But I really want to be more like you. A bit more Chesterfield.

What I'm telling about is the building blocks for my personality.

And that is that I'm a boy from a farm.

Who has a lot of talent, are sporty and handsome,

and who has good self-esteem, who is compulsive,

enthusiastic and a farmer.

And who is ready for the military

and knows what to do, and says "yes sir" "come on sir"

and know how to dig a ditch and fill up the ditch and these sort of things.

And then I came to this world, and it more advanced.

It exists grown men, strong men, and cynical men and...

But I am really innocent. Pure.

And I've been scared that that would change in me here.

You shouldn't have ran away.

I don't miss all the challenges we had, all the psychological,

practical and social.

Yeah, in prison, not in life.

But I miss our friendship.

I miss your knowledge, all the experiences and plans.

You just had a downturn, Tjostolv.

In life, as human.

And it's not fair that it became your heritage.

Or that people see you that way.

I know that bothered you a lot.

But you were nothing like that, Tjostolv.

You were nothing like that.

You were not a murderer.

You were a killer.

But you were not a murderer.

That's two different things.

We did not know enough about Africa.

We were not amateurs, we just didn't know enough.

Come here.

Don't. Stop it.

Someone is coming. Sit down. There.

- Where did you get that water? - I've been drinking from it.

You've seen it.

Joshua French spent 8 years in Congolese prison.

In 2006, Abedi Kasongo's widow, Bebiche Olendjeke,

received ubutu, a replacement from Joshua French's family.

In the same year, the Norwegian state contributed with 45 million dollars

to various forest conservation projects in Congo

through the Central African Forest Initiative.

Joshua French's mother moved to Congo

and played a decisive role in her son's case, both personal and political.

Diplomatic efforts finally succeeded,

and Joshua French was released on 17th May, 2017.

Tjostolv Moland is buried in the home town Vegardshei.

There's a certain kind of man I would simply call a man of violence.

It doesn't mean they're wife-beaters, or madmen, or out of control.

But they're drawn to professions which are considered adventure.

It's not just Tjostolv and me.

It's actually a different kind of man.

I think Norway has gone so soft, there's no space for men like us anymore.

I believe war is healthy,

that warfare

is a natural part of human identity.

Being antagonistic.

If you accept that some people are different from yourself,

and if you acknowledge this type of man exists,

you're halfway to understanding.

I am here.

Tjostolv was here.

And the others are also around.

I believe in what's called "big boys' rules".

You may be willing to kill...

and at the same time, you can be...

all right.

BASED ON A TRUE STORY

Two Norwegians are being interrogated in the Congo

after their driver was found killed.

The two imprisoned Norwegians in Congo live under miserable conditions.

Tjostolv Moland and Joshua French...

MURDER IN CONGO

- There he is! Long journey, right? - It's madness.

- This is the friend I talked about, John. - Nice meeting you.

- Did you sleep on the plane? - Not at all.

- Let's go in. - I slept enough at home.

Okay. Not much happening at home?

There's this swine flu, so let's be careful with physical contact.

We're not so afraid of swine flu here.

We're at the backpackers.

Well, it's Saturday, so there's a lot of batik, dreadlocks, didgeridoo...

It's a big Australian flute for people who like to smoke hash.

We won't have much of a signal for the next few days while we're on this trip.

We know what we're doing. Or Tjostolv knows what he's doing.

After all, he's an African anarchist.

No, just kidding.

I'll be home for Constitution Day. We'll celebrate together.

- Forget about that parade. - Pardon? No, Tjostolv just says hello.

No, it's... Yes.

- Why doesn't your girlfriend like me? - Why doesn't she?

You know why.

It's because you're an arsehole.

He's in charge of all these battles, all on his own. He's a legend down here.

Is that the guy?

Luc...

This is looking good.

You know, now it's happening.

This is it.

You're aware that this is the big one?

- No going home in three weeks. - To my girlfriend.

Yes, but not in three weeks.

We'll celebrate Constitution Day.

Constitution Day...

Give me her number.

Let's see.

Hello there, this is Tjostolv Moland calling. I'm Joshua French's superior.

I just wanted to tell you he'll be in Africa for a long time.

We're in need of his services here.

The thing is, not many others can do this.

No one else can do it the way he can.

Our life is here.

Not in Norway.

The ribbon I wear is all brand new

It's so pretty, all red, white and blue

Now I'm just waiting, anticipating...

Where's the passport?

Okay... Here.

This is for you.

Just wait here.

Time to go?

Yes... This guy is really stressed out.

- Let's just split. - Yes.

We'll bury the money before we get to Kisangani, that's for sure.

Blockhead one and two.

My body is so damn sore.

Feels like my nuts have grown into one huge ball.

He refuses to meet us here. He's afraid of Intelligence.

So what's happening now?

We'll meet him...

- Intelligence are after us? - Well... We don't know that.

Intelligence is the strongest agency in Congo, so maybe.

But it's better to meet him at the road mark.

It's an Africa thing. He doesn't want to meet us.

We just have to adjust a bit. Happens all the time.

- See anything? - No.

Intelligence agents also need some sleep.

It's not too late to turn back.

Fix this. I can't take it.

- Another 100... - 100 dollars more for the bike.

Of course. Drives me nuts.

- Why are we stopping here? - He had to call his wife.

Now we're at...

106.

It's not far now.

- You killed him. - How we can believe you?

- You'll rot in jail. - Only you two were in the cell.

He's a piece of shit. He deserves the penalty.

4 YEARS LATER

Just imagine leaving your family behind in jail.

Joshua?

I'm Halvard Moe, from Kripos. Sorry if this is a bit sudden.

- What was your name? - Halvard Moe.

We're here to assist the Congolese police.

Over there is Ane Strøm Olsen from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

I've been shown the Congolese forensic analysis.

We've made some preliminary conclusions, which give us a clear...

He'd put on his shirt.

And his shoes.

We have people here to attend the reconstruction and forensic examination.

To make sure it's done by the book.

See you later, okay?

- Ane Strøm Olsen. - Joshua.

I'm here to make sure you're treated well. On behalf of the Foreign Ministry.

- Why did they send you? - What?

Why did they send you?

Because I've been working with similar cases.

- In the Congo? - No.

Not in the Congo, but the Middle East, North Africa and Ivory Coast.

How are you doing?

I don't really know what happened here.

Would you like to tell me about it?

- You've been here four years? - We've been imprisoned for four years.

And you've tried to get me out for four years

and now I'm accused of killing my best friend.

That's what I'm here to unravel.

A little late, maybe? A bit?

If you're not charged with killing Tjostolv Moland,

we believe we can arrange a pardon.

But there's prestige involved. The Congolese want something to show.

Like, "We told you so. Now we'll let the last man go."

And what would that be?

What do they need? To show the world?

I need you to acknowledge

that Tjostolv Moland

shot and killed Abedi Kasongo.

What?

Stop the car!

I'll stop right here.

Luc isn't answering.

Mike...

We have to get out of the country.

What's he saying?

What did he say?

Okay, some guys will fetch us from Epulu Park tomorrow morning.

Tomorrow morning?

So we stay in Epulu Park and wait for someone to fuck us over?

There are 15 checkpoints before Uganda.

Word is out. Two white men in a vegetable truck.

Doesn't look good, does it?

- Oh, shit. - It's all right.

Shit...

Okay, let's find a place to camp.

You're no ordinary Joe.

Joshua...

- Mike! - Come on!

Joshua!

Come out.

- We'll keep our mouths shut. - English!

The Norwegian authorities will get us home fast.

They're using the ID cards

to prove that we're spies!

Water?

Hi, sorry I was a bit weird yesterday.

I hadn't slept. Today I'm better.

Okay. Sounds good.

The Congolese are very sensitive

if they feel you don't show enough respect.

Yes, they get insulted. It's typically Congolese to be insulted.

It's an imposed feeling, and then you need to un-insult them.

- They want money, right? - Yes, they always do.

In other cases, the Ministry never pays.

Yes, that's obvious.

That's because Norway acts differently than all other countries.

- The reactions have been abnormal. - What do you mean?

Statistically, imprisoned foreigners in the Congo serve two years maximum.

If I was Belgian, I'd have been released in 12 hours.

- You think so? - It's a fact.

Because they know you can't always play by the book in Africa.

Belgium doesn't really have the best track record in the Congo.

An important principle at the Ministry is to respect constitutions.

That doesn't change with two Norwegians in Congo.

Why do you think I sit here?

Because Tjostolv Moland and you were convicted of the murder

and accessory to murder of Abedi Kasongo.

And I sit here because Tjostolv Moland was found dead in your cell.

In your presence.

And when the state of Norway can't pay...

You think I'm guilty?

...the Congolese need something else.

Tjostolv didn't kill Abedi Kasongo. I can't trade...

I don't give a damn.

To tell a lie...

I won't be forced to un-insult Congolese authorities

when you don't show them respect.

I...

Worst case, you'll be convicted of two murders.

You may think we're totally deranged,

that we're Rambo 1 and 2,

going bananas on a killing spree in Africa.

Not true. I'm genuinely interested in Africa, and Tjostolv loved Africa.

I'm genuinely interested in history, we're genuinely interested in security.

Tjostolv and I were professional soldiers.

We never managed to settle down in Norway with a regular job.

There's got to be a place for us too. Somewhere.

I've been into motocross and stuff.

But Africa is the big attraction. Can't we have an adventure?

Is the age of the adventurer over?

Risks must be accepted, like driving through Eastern Congo,

because that's cool, right?

To us it was cool, even if it was a clownish thing to do.

That's what I'm like. And that's what he was like.

You were two tourists on a bike tour?

I've never used the word tourist.

I've finished talking to Joshua.

Moland invites you to Africa.

He recruits you to his company.

He writes a letter to Laurent Nkunda,

a rebel leader charged with war crimes.

He contacts groups wishing to topple Joseph Kabila

and the government of the country you enter.

And comes up with the Congo assignment.

I respect that you're unable to comprehend those things...

Where would you be if you hadn't met Tjostolv?

Would you be sitting here?

Today, Joshua, we will become legends.

Defendants rise, please.

Silence!

Your Honour, we would like to call our witness Aradjabo.

For the murder of Abedi Kasongo,

Tjostolv Moland is sentenced to five death sentences.

Joshua French is sentenced to death for complicity to murder,

forming a criminal association...

and being in possession of a military weapon.

Silence, please!

Moland and French have been found guilty of espionage

for the Norwegian state and the Norwegian king.

For that reason, the state of Norway is condemned

to pay 500 billion dollars in damages to the Democratic Republic of Congo.

- Hello? Hey! - Go away! Go!

We'll have to take turns sleeping.

- You take the first watch. - Okay.

Mike. Tjostolv...

I have to show you something.

Where will you go when we get out?

As far away from the Congo as I possibly can.

I don't want to go back to Norway.

Maybe I'll go straight to Jamilla.

I may not be welcome in Uganda, so we'll meet in Kenya or something.

I just can't go home to Norway.

Be a celebrity, go to celeb parties.

Like a country singer on a bad day.

It's not tempting.

I thought of something else. Maybe I can go back to wildlife conservation.

Guard wildlife and hunt for poachers with the legends down there.

Maybe that's my calling.

Then I'll stay there.

For the rest of my life, maybe.

Get out of my way! Come on!

Could you get me the Bacimycin, Tjostolv?

Mike?

Lots of people back home love African choirs and stuff.

But mostly those who've never been to Africa.

- Joshua. - Furuholmen.

I've been appointed as your lawyer.

Yes, I saw that.

Tjostolv...

A visit.

- Hi. - I'm a bit dirty.

I'm Furuholmen. Lawyer.

- It's about your appeal case. - Good.

We're working hard on all fronts.

The Foreign Ministry is doing all they can.

But a letter has surfaced which makes the case more difficult, politically.

It was found on Tjostolv's PC.

- Did you write this letter? - Which letter?

A kind of homage to the warlord Laurent Nkunda.

Offering your services.

- I didn't write that letter. - But Tjostolv did, on your behalf.

"Give me your command, and I will be your loyal servant."

It's a falsification. That's how they work.

It's all about money.

Tjostolv, this is incredibly complicated.

No, it's very simple. Just pay.

They call it a fine. Ubuntu. That's what it's called.

In Africa, when you've paid ubuntu,

things are settled. Then it's over.

Then I can go to church with the widow and play with the kids.

That's totally accepted. Because this is Africa, not Norway.

Things are completely different here.

You people back home don't understand, but it's absolutely okay.

It's pretty much far from okay right now.

This is really good news.

You realise that, right?

I know you've been through this many times,

many similar processes when you thought you'd be going home.

But this is different. We've never come this close.

You've got this opportunity. And that's it.

You have to grab it.

See you tomorrow.

Mike...

Tjostolv?

You know, in the Bible...

Paul went blind so that he could see.

Isn't that right?

We should have had two.

We should have had two of what?

Two motorcycles.

- What are you giving him? - Chloroquine.

- Against what disease? - I suspect he suffers from malaria.

Brain malaria.

Why not quinine?

No, quinine is not good for him.

Okay, relax.

- Okay, I need to give him a double dose. - No...

- Why do you have to...? - No more. No!

What is this drug? This is not what you say it is.

- It's chloroquine. - It's not chloroquine. What is it?

Okay, relax, brother.

There you go.

Do they treat you well?

I'm doing fine.

But Tjostolv has received what they call "medical treatment"

and that's a different story.

I went out shopping in Oslo.

Your behaviour wasn't quite exemplary at the first trial, guys.

But that wasn't a trial.

No.

But it's important to behave responsibly,

to show respect in the courtroom.

Do we agree to not behave like buffoons in the courtroom this time?

- Okay, fine. - We agree?

Yes?

We're trying to get you out, you know.

See you tomorrow.

Try to get some sleep.

I don't think I want to say a whole lot.

You don't need to say anything.

No talking to the boys, please.

Silence, please!

The court...

We were on the road to Bafwasende.

That's where we found Mr Abedi

and he was transported along the track...

I'm cold.

- Sit down. - Tell him to give me my jacket.

I need my jacket.

- Respect the court! - Give me my jacket, please.

- Yes, sit. - I'm going to wear my jacket.

Am I wrong?

Am I wrong?

Am I betraying someone? Am I wrong?

Calm down.

I'm never wrong! Is he supposed to be killed?

Then I'm always wrong and nobody's going to look at me in this hell!

If you don't calm down, I'll have you thrown out.

Sit down.

Yes, I'm done. Yes.

Furuholmen, you're always right.

My client is obviously mentally unstable at the moment.

I suggest adjourning the session today

so that the experts and doctors may examine Moland.

Monsieur Moland is evidently a brilliant actor.

In addition to being an experienced criminal.

I don't need any further explanations. It's all clear to me.

I'm sure it's clear to you as well.

"We wish to offer our services and our support to you, General.

"We can train, lead and motivate your troops

"to perform specialised operations at a high military level.

"Give me a command and I will be your loyal servant."

Are you trying to kill us? Is that what you're doing?

You want to kill me?

Then kill me! Come on!

What are our chances of a pardon now?

When you can't just shut up?

You're completely insane! Come on!

Welcome to Ndolo.

Stay down. Mike...

Stay down.

Mike!

Mike! Lie down!

- Want to come and say hello? - No.

Hi.

Lots of greetings from Hannah and everyone in Norway.

That's nice.

- They're thinking of you, you know. - Thanks.

I was here yesterday but they refused to let me in.

So the cake is from yesterday. I didn't have the time... I don't know.

Maybe we keep it in the bag for now.

That's a good idea. Yes.

How are you doing?

- We're doing fine. - Yes?

We're relatively okay. It's good, really.

I have to touch you.

It's been such a long time.

Tjostolv was going to come out and say hello

but he doesn't feel too good.

- He looks really bad. - He doesn't sleep very well.

- And you? Do you sleep well? - You tend to sleep a bit worse in Congo.

We have to pray for Tjostolv as well.

Do you?

Well, I don't exactly pray...

- Not directly. - It's never too late, you know.

- Well, we pray, Mum. We pray. - Yes.

- Yes... - Yes?

I met the British consul.

- How did you feel it...? - I had a good feeling.

I've planned a few things down here and I've kept in touch with Norway.

So there's a lot to do, but that keeps me going. It's important.

I thought that maybe we could sit in the visiting area.

- But maybe I should bring this inside... - Good idea. Put it in the fridge.

Where's the cake I got from Mum?

Mike? The cake I got from my mother?

Come on, focus. Where's the cake I got from my mother?

Listen to me!

Relax...

Stop it!

What is this?

I don't know what's happening to me.

I don't understand it.

- What did you bring? - Just some food.

Your relationship with your mum is okay?

Yes.

You were placed into foster care?

You were very young?

- There was nothing dramatic about it. - What do you mean?

I was kind of excitable as a child.

So my mum arranged for me to live with another family. On a farm.

I see. And how long did you live there?

From 9 until I was about 20.

Okay. So you haven't really lived with your mum very long?

Feel free to try your psychoanalysis

to find out how I became the person that I am.

Find something external that influenced me to become a different person,

but it sounds like fiction to me.

This letter is written on your behalf.

It states you acknowledge the sentence you both got.

I'd like your signature today.

You don't understand who I am.

And you know nothing about Tjostolv and me.

Mike...

Mike, stop it.

No one dares to look at me.

No one dares to look at me.

- I'm just going to... Calm down. - No.

But I want to stay here.

If you get out of here now...

You get a chance...

Grab that chance.

Okay, Mike?

Are you with me, Mike?

Mike?

Mike, you will get a chance.

It might be the only chance you'll get so you have to be ready.

Mr Moland...

Yes, okay.

Let's go.

The smells out there were all different.

And the light was completely different. It was...

It was totally weird.

Suddenly I saw that the car door was unlocked.

So I realised I was sitting in an unlocked car.

There was a bus 30 metres ahead of me.

I wasn't even in handcuffs.

There's nothing to stop me on this road.

And...

It was like, I'm sitting in this bus.

And the bus goes to... to the harbour.

I can get on a boat which will take me to Brazzaville.

Then I would have been free.

But you're not.

No.

Blockhead 2.

Blockhead 1.

Have you ever thought about... if you were on your own?

What about it?

If not for me, you'd be home by now.

In Norway. You could be with your girlfriend, and...

After a month, you would have forgotten all about the Congo,

the prison and this cell.

You're only convicted of complicity, right?

Your story is that you were attacked in the jungle.

By whom?

By the army.

Two tourists on a motorbike are attacked by the Congolese military?

At a remote spot on a country road in the Congo?

Why?

- What happened when Kasongo was shot? - I've told you.

No. If you can't say why you were in Congo,

you can't tell the truth about the killing.

You forget that the Ministry also hears the stories you tell journalists,

writers, family and friends.

And your story doesn't make sense, Joshua.

I see.

The car stops on the right hand side of the road.

Tjostolv steps over there, you go this way.

Suddenly a shot rings out from the forest, aimed at you.

You move behind the car while shooting.

- With a shotgun and a pistol. - No pistol...

We know you had a handgun in Uganda, a 9-millimetre.

Don't tell me you don't bring that pistol when you know you're going to Congo.

Then you both jump up on the flatbed.

But you discover the car isn't moving, so you run back.

In the direction the shot came from. Because...?

Because nothing was happening.

I noticed that in a second.

- What, no more gunfire? - It took seconds.

It doesn't add up, Joshua.

There's no logic or human instinct.

My 8-year-old daughter knows not to run towards gunfire.

Yet with your background, you run right into the kill box.

One shot is fired, meant to hit you.

It misses your head, goes through the window

and through Abedi Kasongo's head,

out the passenger side and disappears into the jungle.

- One shot is aimed at you? - They shot in the air to frighten us.

But one shot was aimed at you?

Maybe they fired more at me.

If that was the case...

Tjostolv shot the driver because of...

a complex situation, maybe even deadly.

I fully understand that someone reacts on impulse...

I can also invent several versions.

One version could be to say we were fired at.

Tjostolv runs to the driver saying "Go, go!"

He doesn't move so Tjostolv shoots him.

I pull the fool out of the car and we speed off.

But Tjostolv didn't shoot the driver and neither did I.

If it's chaotic and unsafe out there...

To be left behind in that kind of situation...

I could have fired in a situation like that.

So could you.

- That's your point? I shot the driver? - No.

But I have no problem understanding that you could have.

What happens, Joshua...

When you don't tell the truth, we have to create our own truth.

That's what happens when we're lied to.

The most plausible version is the one you were convicted for.

- And it will bring you home. - But I can't. It's impossible.

If we'd shot him, I wouldn't tell you.

But we didn't. The driver agreed to that ride.

He had... He had the Intelligence service after him.

He probably knew what would happen.

So he got himself killed.

It was an indirect way of not saying anything. I didn't.

An indirect way of not saying anything?

Keep in mind that I'm a man of violence.

Yes, I am.

I've been on armed mercenary missions in Africa, several of them.

I'm a violent man. And I'm proud that I've been one in this place.

It's not over. Tjostolv was one too, and not in a negative sense.

All soldiers are violent.

Tjostolv and I were professional mercenaries.

We don't shoot an innocent civilian for no reason.

You said Intelligence were after him.

Yes, most probably.

Mike?

Tjostolv!

Damn it!

Shit...

Mike!

Tjostolv...

Mike!

You killed him, didn't you?

Only the two of you were in the cell.

Did you and Moland have a fight?

Monsieur French...

As you see,

on the surface he appears to be calm and relaxed.

But in reality, he's a very dangerous man.

If you happened to meet him on the street,

or on the beach...

he would be capable of murder.

To him, killing is mere child's play.

We do have laws in this country.

This is not Norway. This is the Congo.

I am 100% convinced

that he should spend the rest of his life in prison.

He needs to be taught a lesson for life.

As to whether the defendant should be given the benefit of attenuating circumstances,

by a majority, the jury says yes.

As to the question of whether the defendant is guilty of the murder,

by a majority of votes

given in a subsequent secret and separate ballot,

the jury says yes.

Consequently, the court sentences Mr Joshua French to life in prison

for the murder of Mr Tjostolv Moland.

You're asking me to change my moral convictions...

My job was to get you home.

...while you, due to ethical principles, don't do what it takes.

The Ministry knows it could have paid and got us out some time ago.

I've been thinking I might change while I'm here.

Very few people have a pure heart, an innocent mind.

Hardly anyone. Very few.

I may seem slightly clinical and callous and inflexible, too rational and...

But I'd actually like to be more like you, a bit more "Chesterfield".

I'm just trying to describe the building blocks of my personality.

I'm really a country boy.

Talented, vigorous, reasonably handsome with a lot of self-confidence.

A conscientious, enthusiastic... grain farmer.

One who is ready for the military. "Yes, sir. Come on, sir."

One who knows how to dig a trench and fill it in. That's the boy I am.

Then I enter the world and it's more developed.

There are adult men, and men are strong. There are cynical men, and...

But I'm actually innocent. Completely pure.

And I've been worried that being in here would change me.

You shouldn't have checked out.

I don't miss all the challenges we had.

Mental challenges...

practical challenges...

social challenges.

But that was here in prison, not in life.

I miss our friendship.

I miss your knowledge.

All our experiences, all our plans.

What it comes down to, Tjostolv, is that...

You just had bad luck.

In life. As a person.

It's not fair that this became your heritage,

that you were depicted that way.

I know that troubled you.

A lot.

But you weren't like that, Tjostolv.

That wasn't you.

And you were no murderer.

You were a killer.

Not a murderer.

There's a distinct difference.

We didn't know enough about Africa.

We weren't amateurs. We just didn't know enough.

Come on. Don't! Stop it.

Hey, easy now. Sit down.

That's it.

Where is that water from?

I drank from it myself. You saw me.

Joshua French spent eight years in Congolese prisons.

In 2016, Abedi Kasongo's widow, Bibiche Olendjeke,

was paid ubuntu as compensation from the family of Joshua French.

That year, the Norwegian state paid 45 million dollars to forest conservation programs

in Congo through the Central African Forest Initiative.

Joshua French's mother moved to the Congo and proved vital

in her son's case, both personally and politically.

Diplomatic efforts finally succeeded and Joshua French was released on 17 May 2017.

Tjostolv Moland is buried in his home town of Vegårdshei.

Subtitles © SBS Australia 2019