Oslo District Court has heard two months of evidence showing prosecutors believe Arfan Qadeer Bhatti masterminded the central Oslo attack on June 25, 2022. Bhatti continues to deny criminal responsibility for the shooting that targeted LGBTQ venues.
Prosecutor Sturla HenriksbĂž described Bhatti as a man who hates Norwegian values during his closing arguments. He presented extensive evidence linking Bhatti to terror plans, including ISIS flags found in his apartment and ISIS propaganda on his phones.
The prosecution highlighted a crucial message Bhatti sent to someone he believed was a high-ranking ISIS member. He wrote about creating fear among unbelievers and discussed revenge operations. The message stated the attack would strengthen their message and create destructive fear in hearts and minds.
Bhatti claimed he only contacted ISIS because he received a loyalty oath from Zaniar Matapour after the attack. He said he understood this needed forwarding to ISIS leadership. However, the supposed ISIS member was actually an agent from Norway's intelligence service.
Matapour received a 30-year sentence with a 20-year minimum for shooting at London Pub and Per pÄ HjÞrnet nightlife venues. During his court testimony, he claimed the attack was revenge against child protection services and police, not targeting the LGBTQ community specifically.
Prosecutors maintain the evidence clearly shows both men intended to target queer people and create fear within the LGBTQ population. They point to Matapour's focused behavior at the scene and messages discussing the queer community before the attack.
Bhatti faces additional terrorism charges for planning attacks against the Norwegian embassy in Islamabad and against NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg's family. He also discussed kidnapping Norwegian journalists who wanted to interview him in Pakistan.
These proposed attacks emerged in chats with the intelligence agent. Bhatti explained he used this language because he thought he was communicating with ISIS. He claimed his only goal was getting the loyalty oath published.
Prosecutor Aud Kinsarvik GravÄs countered this defense, noting ISIS never objected to the attack's severity. Practical reasons were given for not publishing the oath, not moral objections. She said Bhatti communicated clear terrorist intent to create fear and use violence.
Norway's legal system treats terrorism cases with particular seriousness, especially following the 2011 attacks by Anders Behring Breivik. The country has strengthened its counterterrorism laws while maintaining its open society values. This case tests Norway's balance between security and civil liberties.
The trial highlights ongoing challenges European nations face regarding homegrown terrorism and online radicalization. Norway's intelligence services have increasingly focused on preventing lone-wolf attacks while monitoring international terrorist networks.
International observers watch this case closely as it may influence counterterrorism approaches across Scandinavia. The verdict could set precedents for prosecuting terrorist planning and communication in digital spaces.
Norway's LGBTQ community continues healing while seeking stronger protections. The attack prompted national conversations about hate crime legislation and security at public events. Many Norwegians see the trial as crucial for justice and societal reconciliation.