PST with threat assessment about Pride: Updated as a target

On Thursday, the Norwegian Police Security Service (PST) published a threat assessment for Pride events in 2023.

In a threat assessment, PST writes that it is considered possible that both right-wing extremists and extreme Islamists will attempt to carry out terrorist acts in Norway in 2023.

The assessment “possible” means that PST sees it as likely as unlikely that terrorist acts carried out by right-wing extremists and extreme Islamists will occur.

Furthermore, they write that LGBT+ people and meeting places are part of the image of the enemy of both right-wing extremists and extreme Islamists.

“After the terrorist attack on 25 June in Oslo last year, PST considers that LGBT+ meeting places have become actualized as targets for extreme Islamists in Norway,” the report states.

PST’s assessment is that a possible terrorist attack will most likely be carried out by individuals.

On 25 June last year, Zaniar Matapour went on an attack in the center of Oslo. Two people lost their lives, 24 were injured, and what was supposed to be a celebration of queer love in Oslo, instead became a target for terror.

The police’s security service states that the most relevant targets for extreme Islamist terror will continue to be civilian crowds, institutions or people who are perceived to insult the religion of Islam.

In addition, they highlight uniformed police and defense personnel in public spaces.

“Popular targets with few or no security measures are attractive terrorist targets, and a large proportion of carried out and averted attacks in recent years have been aimed at such targets”, writes PST in the report.

In connection with PST’s threat assessment, the Norwegian Police Directorate says the following about Pride celebrations:

– The police districts will have a dialogue with local Pride organizers and take measures based on available risk assessments, says Bjørn Vandvik, department director in the Norwegian Police Directorate (POD), in a press release.

At the same time, they encourage celebrating Pride.

– The police themselves will fly the rainbow flag at police duty stations and participate in various events. We will ensure that the framework surrounding this year’s events is taken care of so that everyone can have a safe and good Pride celebration. The police encourage everyone to mark and celebrate Pride as normal, concludes Vandvik.