A Norwegian Islamist, Arfan Bhatti, suspected of involvement in a fatal shooting at an LGBTQ+ festival in Oslo, has been extradited from Pakistan and is expected to arrive in Norway for legal proceedings. The 2022 attack, which occurred outside the London Pub, a central figure in Oslo’s gay nightlife, left two dead and nine seriously injured. Bhatti, a prominent figure in radical Islamic circles in Norway, was abroad during the attack but had previously made online threats against the LGBTQ+ community.
The Investigation Deepens
Norwegian authorities are keen to understand Bhatti’s exact role in the attack, as his ties to Zaniar Matapour, the primary suspect, complicate the narrative. Matapour, currently on trial, is accused of opening fire with automatic weapons during the festival, an act Norwegian security services have labeled as Islamist terrorism. Despite his past affiliation with Islamic State-inspired groups and a history in criminal gangs, Bhatti’s lawyer insists he had no part in the 2022 tragedy.
Norway’s Pursuit of Justice
As Bhatti faces a custody hearing, the impact of his extradition is significant, signaling Norway’s commitment to pursuing those linked to terrorism, regardless of their location. Justice Minister Emilie Enger Mehl emphasized the global reach of their law enforcement efforts. With Matapour refusing to cooperate with the authorities and a community still in mourning, the upcoming trials are crucial for closure and justice for the victims of the horrific attack.