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The trial of six suspects in the 2004 heist of Edvard Munch's still-missing masterpieces "The Scream" and "Madonna" ended Tuesday with the prosecution seeking 114 million dollars (94 million euros) in damages and prison sentences of up to 11 years.
The prosecution sought the damages to compensate the loss to the city of Oslo, which owned the paintings, as well as sentences of between three and 11 years in prison for the suspects.
The longest sentence was sought for Bjoern Hoen, who is accused of masterminding the robbery.
On August 22, 2004, two armed and hooded thieves burst into the Munch Museum in Oslo and threatened a member of staff with a gun while stunned tourists looked on.
After ripping Munch's "The Scream" and "Madonna" from the walls, the robbers fled the scene in a stolen car driven by an accomplice.
Munch (1863-1944) made several versions of the two artworks, which together are believed to be worth as much as 100 million dollars (83 million euros).
The prosecution asked the court to jail Stian Skjold, one of the accused robbers, for eight years. The identity of the second robber is still unknown.
The driver of the getaway car, Petter Tharaldsen, risks being put away for 10 years, while Petter Rosenvinge could face nine years in prison for serving as an accomplice.
Another accomplice, Morten Hugo Johansen, who is accused of playing a minor role in the theft, risks up to three years in prison, including one year suspended.
Finally, a sixth suspect who is accused of dealing in stolen goods, Thomas Nataas, faces a four-year-sentence, including two suspended.
The defendants have all pleaded innocent.
The verdict is expected within the next few weeks.
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AFPEntertainment-Norway-art-crime-Munch
AFP 212008 GMT 03 06
COPYRIGHT 2004 Agence France-Presse. All rights reserved.
