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CRIME

Norwegian police say second suspect involved in deadly Oslo shooting

Norwegian police said on Friday they had issued an international arrest warrant for a second suspect in a June shooting that killed two people near a gay bar in central Oslo.

Published: 23 September 2022 14:16 CEST
A mourner laying flowers at the site of a shooting.
Norwegian police have said a second suspect was involved in the shooting in Oslo. A woman lays down flowers at a makeshift memorial at the crime scene on June 25, 2022, in the aftermath of a shooting outside pubs and nightclubs in central Oslo killing two people injuring 21. Photo by Olivier Morin / AFP

The suspect is a Norwegian in his 40s who had already shown up on police radar and is suspected of “complicity in a terrorist act”, Borge Enoksen, a police official, told a press conference. Police think the man is currently abroad, but did not provide any more details.

According to TV2, the suspect is Arfan Bhatti, a 44-year-old Islamist with prior convictions who is thought to be in Pakistan, which does not have an extradition treaty with Norway.

On June 25th, Zaniar Matapour, 43, is alleged to have opened fire near a gay bar in central Oslo in the early morning hours, amid celebrations linked to the city’s Pride festival.

The shooting killed two men, aged 54 and 60, and wounded 21 others, with Matapour quickly arrested. Matapour, a Norwegian of Iranian origin, had been known to Norway’s PST intelligence service since 2015, with concerns about his radicalisation and membership of “an extremist Islamist network”.

Norway’s domestic intelligence service has previously described the attack as “an act of Islamist terrorism” and said Matapour had “difficulties with his mental health”. He is currently at a psychiatric hospital for court-ordered mental evaluation.

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WEATHER

Heavy snow could cause disruption in southern Norway over the weekend

A yellow warning for snow has been issued for southern and eastern Norway. Heavy snowfall could create travel problems over the weekend, the Norwegian Public Roads Administration has warned.

Published: 8 December 2023 11:40 CET
Heavy snow could cause disruption in southern Norway over the weekend

Snowy weather could cause issues on Norway’s roads starting Friday afternoon, and travellers have been warned of potential problems over the weekend.

“If you are going out and travelling at the weekend, you must prepare because the driving conditions may be difficult. The reason is the snowy weather expected in the south and east,” the Norwegian Public Roads Administration said in a press release.

“The Norwegian Public Roads Administration is doing what we can to keep the roads open and passable. So road users themselves must ensure that they are prepared for the conditions that meet them and ensure that they make smart choices regarding their journey,” the press release continued.

In some places, 25 centimetres of snow is expected to fall within 24 hours. The areas around Oslo could see up to 20cm of snow, which could pose problems for public transport.

The heavy snowfall means that it may be hard for the authorities to keep the roads prepped. This is because snow may accumulate faster than plough trucks can clear it.

READ ALSO: What you need to know about winter driving in Norway

Heavy snowfall and strong winds may mean that some mountain passes are closed. Motorists have also been asked to allow more time for their journeys over the weekend.

Precipitations at lower altitudes could arrive in the form of rain, which could then turn ice due to the low temperatures.

The Norwegian Meteorological Institute warned motorists of potential issues.

Driving with winter tyres is a legal requirement in Norway, and the public is advised to keep warm clothes, food and drink in the car for long journeys in the event of delays, breakdowns, accidents or road closures.

Information on road closures can be found on the website of the Norwegian Public Road’s Administration. Information on Norway’s rail lines are found on the website of state-owned network operator Bane Nor. 

READ MORE: Everything you need to know about winter tyres in Norway

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