Norway's prosecutor has demanded the maximum 30-year preventive detention for Arfan Bhatti, accused of a key role in the Oslo Pride terror attack that left two dead and nine injured. The sentencing verdict today caps a case that has exposed the vulnerabilities in Norway's security apparatus and the enduring fear within the LGBTQ+ community. Arfan Bhatti is charged with terrorism for his alleged involvement in the June 2022 shooting at the Per på hjørnet bar and London Pub during pride celebrations. The attack, carried out by Zaniar Matapour, who was convicted to 30 years of forvaring last year, was one of Norway's worst terrorist incidents in a decade.
The Night of Terror and Its Aftermath
On that June night, Zaniar Matapour opened fire outside two central Oslo venues packed with pride celebrants. The shooting killed two people and injured nine others, sending shockwaves through the capital and the nation. The attack targeted the LGBTQ+ community during a time of celebration, fundamentally altering the sense of safety for many Norwegians. Prosecutors stated the act was intended to spread severe fear in society, a hallmark of terrorism under Norwegian law. In the aftermath, police and intelligence services launched a sweeping investigation that quickly extended beyond the shooter himself.
The Charges Against Arfan Bhatti
Arfan Bhatti faces two primary charges in this case. First, he is accused of terrorism through murder and attempted murder, or complicity in these acts, committed to spread serious fear in society. The prosecution deems the action grave due to its scale and consequences. Second, he is charged with attempting to plan and collaborate with others to carry out serious terrorist acts, even though they were not executed. Central to the case is the allegation that Bhatti played a leading role by helping Matapour acquire weapons and by facilitating contact with what he believed was a representative of the Islamic State. This contact was, in reality, an undercover agent from Norway's Intelligence Service.
The Prosecutor's Case and Key Evidence
During the trial last fall, State Prosecutor Sturla Henriksbø framed the case around Bhatti's motives. 'This case is about a man who hates Norwegian values,' Henriksbø said in his opening statement. The prosecution argued that Bhatti exploited a vulnerable individual, referring to Matapour, to execute a terrorist attack. 'The incident hit the entire queer community and created fear throughout Norway,' Henriksbø added. Evidence presented included ten encrypted chat logs between Bhatti and the undercover agent. These conversations revealed that prior to the attack, Matapour had sworn an oath of allegiance to IS, which Bhatti allegedly agreed to forward to the terrorist group via the agent.
Bhatti's Defense and Counterarguments
Throughout the proceedings, Arfan Bhatti has consistently denied any criminal guilt. In court, he explained that he did not know about Matapour's terror plans and was merely following a jargon or playing along in the conversations with the agent. Bhatti stated that his contact with the presumed IS representative was solely to relay Matapour's oath of allegiance. He described meeting Matapour numerous times in 2021 and early 2022, forming a close friendship because both were from small backgrounds. Bhatti's defense hinges on the argument that he was unaware of the impending violence and that his actions were misinterpreted by authorities.
The Legal Context of Forvaring
Norway's legal system allows for forvaring, or preventive detention, which is the strictest penalty under law and can be extended indefinitely if the prisoner is deemed a continued threat. Matapour received this 30-year sentence, and the prosecution has sought the same for Bhatti. This mechanism is reserved for the most serious crimes, particularly terrorism, where rehabilitation is uncertain. The demand for forvaring in this case underscores the gravity with which the justice system views Bhatti's alleged orchestration role. It reflects a broader Norwegian approach to terrorism sentencing that prioritizes long-term societal protection.
Awaiting the Verdict and Looking Ahead
As the court prepares to deliver its verdict, the nation watches closely. A conviction with forvaring would mark a significant moment in Norway's fight against homegrown terrorism, signaling that accomplices face severe consequences. Conversely, an acquittal or lesser sentence could spark public outcry and scrutiny of the prosecution's methods. Regardless of the outcome, the Oslo Pride attack has left an indelible mark, prompting increased security at public events and ongoing soul-searching about tolerance and safety in Norwegian society. The question remains: how will this verdict shape future terrorism prosecutions and Norway's resilience against extremism?