The Minister of Foreign Affairs was interrupted by protesters during an event about Palestine at Kvarteret on Tuesday.
– Expressing oneself and demonstrating is an important part of our democracy. But using words like terrorist is going too far. I wish that those who demonstrated could have been there and engaged in dialogue with me, as was the idea, says Espen Barth Eide (Ap) in a text message to BA.
The police’s incident leader, Kent-Ove Haaland, tells BA that the people had to be taken out of the room because they were disturbing.
The people were allowed to gather outside where there were already some demonstrators. The police estimated to BA that there were between ten and fifteen who demonstrated at Kvarteret.
Small marking
It is not unusual for there to be protests near events attended by ministers and around the Storting.
Espen Barth Eide is clear that it is important for him to be able to travel around Norway and talk to as many people as possible.
– Not least, students are a group that I am keen to listen to, he says.
He believes that such conversations are central to developing policy and having a good debate about the difficult issues. Although there were some interruptions, he perceived the Palestine talk as successful.
– The vast majority of those present listened attentively and asked good questions. We had a good meeting, emphasizes the foreign minister.
He believes it is a shared responsibility to reduce the level of tension in the public space. For example, around sensitive topics such as the Middle East conflict.
– The fact that I am out and talking to people is part of my contribution.
The police had to step up
The engaged demonstrators shouted tactfully “boycott Israel, free Palestine” at the minister inside the event, according to NRK, which was present. The lines of protest also echoed outside.
Operations manager Steinar Hausvik in the West police district says that the police were initially present routinely in connection with the foreign minister’s participation.
– Then we built up with some resources when there were disturbances. Then we sent more patrols and a task leader, Hausvik tells BA.
After the panel discussion, Barth Eide took the fastest and easiest way out of Kvarteret, without the situation escalating.
