A court in Norway has delivered a decisive verdict in one of the country’s most serious terror cases in recent years. Judges ruled that an Islamist extremist was responsible for planning and carrying out the deadly attack that targeted Pride celebrations in Oslo in 2022, an incident that shocked the nation and the wider LGBTQ+ community.
Court Finds Terror Motive Behind Pride Attack
The court concluded that the accused acted with a clear extremist ideology and intended to spread fear by attacking a Pride-related event. Prosecutors argued that the assault was carefully planned and driven by hatred toward the LGBTQ+ community. The judges agreed, stating that the evidence showed ideological motivation rather than a random act of violence.
The shooting occurred during Pride festivities in central Oslo, killing two people and injuring multiple others. The incident led authorities to immediately cancel remaining Pride events for security reasons.
Evidence and Verdict Details
During the trial, prosecutors presented digital communications, witness testimony, and intelligence findings that linked the attacker to radical Islamist beliefs. The court ruled that these elements proved beyond doubt that the act met the legal definition of terrorism under Norwegian law.
The verdict emphasized that the attack was designed to intimidate a specific community and undermine public safety, making it an attack on society as a whole, not just the immediate victims.
Impact on National Security and Pride Events
Following the 2022 attack, Norway increased security measures around large public gatherings, particularly Pride marches and cultural events. LGBTQ+ organizations welcomed the verdict, calling it an important step toward justice and accountability.
Authorities said the ruling sends a strong message that hate-driven violence and terrorism will face the full force of the law, while reaffirming Norway’s commitment to protecting freedom, diversity, and peaceful assembly.
