Norwegian Court Convicts Islamist in Oslo Pride Shooting

A Norwegian court sentenced Arfan Bhatti, an Islamist, to 30 years for orchestrating a deadly 2022 Oslo Pride shooting from abroad. Although in Pakistan during the attack, Bhatti was found complicit in terrorism. The attack left two dead and eight injured, with shooter Zaniar Matapour also convicted.

In a significant ruling, a Norwegian court has sentenced Islamist Arfan Bhatti to 30 years in prison for his role in the 2022 Oslo Pride shooting. Despite Bhatti being in Pakistan at the time, he was found complicit in the attack that claimed two lives.

The shooting, carried out by Zaniar Matapour at the London Pub, a popular LGBTQ+ venue, left a trail of destruction with two people dead, eight others wounded, and dozens more injured in the ensuing chaos. Matapour has also been sentenced to 30 years, the maximum under Norwegian law.

An extensive inquiry revealed that police might have prevented the tragedy had they heeded a foreign intelligence agency's warning. Bhatti, diagnosed with a severe dissocial personality disorder, remains responsible for his actions. He plans to appeal the verdict.

(With inputs from agencies.)