It was supposed to be an exuberant Pride Party weekend in Oslo – then an attacker shoots at people, there are dead and injured. The country is again shaken by a cruel attack.
After an alleged Islamist-motivated terrorist attack in Oslo, Norway wants to commemorate the victims of the violent act with a funeral service.
An attacker fired shots in a popular gay bar and several other places on Saturday night, killing two people and injuring more than 20 others. The PST secret service classified the attack as an Islamist terrorist attack.
Call for solidarity and support
Crown Prince Haakon of Norway and Crown Princess Mette-Marit want to attend the service in Oslo Cathedral, as reported by broadcaster NRK, citing the church. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and other politicians were also expected. “This is shaking up our whole society,” church official Kristin Gunleiksrud Raaum said, according to NRK. “All of us who are queer must now experience solidarity and support from everyone else.”
The nightclub “London Pub” – the main target of the attacks – is considered a popular meeting place for gays, lesbians and other members of the queer scene in Oslo. On its own website, the club describes itself as the city’s best “gay bar” and “gay headquarters since 1979”. Many celebrated there into the weekend: On Saturday, after cancellations due to the corona pandemic, a huge Pride parade should have taken place in Oslo for the first time – it was canceled again and should be made up for at a different time.
The attacker, who the police arrested shortly after the crime with the help of civilians, is said to be a Norwegian with Iranian roots. He was interrogated for the first time on Saturday afternoon. He was suspicious of the police, his defense attorney John Christian Elden then told NRK. One must be careful with speculation as to the motive. The suspect’s mental health should also be examined.
Memories of Utoya
Norway is actually considered a peaceful country. But the terrorist attack on Utøya eleven years ago, which was motivated by right-wing extremists and claimed 77 lives, left a deep wound in the feeling of security. Once again the country has been hit by a brutal attack on the innocent, said Prime Minister Støre and assured the queer community: “We stand by your side.”
Surrounded by a large crowd of people, he and Crown Prince Haakon laid flowers together at the crime scene. The chimes of the town hall played “Somewhere over the Rainbow”.
Source: Stern
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