Amnesty International Criticizes Norwegian Police Response to Protests During Israel-Norway Match

Amnesty International has raised concerns regarding the Oslo Police District’s handling of demonstrations that took place during the Norway-Israel international football match on October 11, 2023, at Ullevål stadium. The human rights organization alleges a lack of clear communication and disproportionate employ of force against protestors, as well as a lack of transparency regarding the arrests that followed.

Concerns Over Warning Before Tear Gas Use

Amnesty Norway’s Secretary General, John Peder Egenæs, stated that observers present during the protests did not hear any clear warning issued by police before tear gas was deployed. According to Amnesty, a clear warning is crucial to allow demonstrators an opportunity to disperse peacefully. “They did not observe that the police gave a clear message to the demonstrators before they started using tear gas,” Egenæs said.^{Amnesty International}

Arrests and Lack of Information

Out of 22 individuals arrested during the protests, 21 have received summonses from the police, some facing fines of up to 28,000 NOK. Amnesty International reports that seven of the arrested campaigners were not informed of the reasons for their arrest.^{Amnesty International} Amnesty observers witnessed tear gas being used against individuals who appeared not to be actively demonstrating, including a person on their way to the subway.

Police Response

The Oslo Police District defended its actions, stating that those arrested had “for a long time taken part in persistent disturbances, and on repeated occasions did not comply with the police’s messages and orders.”^{Amnesty International} Police also stated they issued orders via loudspeaker, which were ignored, and that tear gas was used to restore order after protestors attempted to breach police barricades and threw objects at officers, even preventing ambulances from reaching the scene. The police maintain that any use of force was proportionate and in accordance with the law.

Amnesty’s Observer Access

Amnesty International had notified both the police and the Norwegian Football Association of their intention to have observers present at the match. Egenæs expressed surprise that observers were at times prevented from passing through police barriers, hindering their ability to witness arrests. He questioned why observers, who were pre-registered and clearly identified, were blocked from accessing the area.

Dialogue Sought

Amnesty International has sent its report to the police and is seeking a dialogue to discuss its concerns. Egenæs expressed disappointment with the police’s response, noting they cited an ongoing investigation as a reason for not providing more detailed information. He stated that the organization hopes increased media coverage will facilitate a meeting.^{Amnesty International}

Broader Context

The protests during the Norway-Israel match occurred amidst widespread public outrage over Israel’s military actions in Gaza. Calls for boycotts and heightened security measures were prevalent leading up to the event.^972mag Amnesty International and other human rights organizations have documented war crimes committed in the Occupied Palestinian Territories and have provided evidence of what they describe as Israel’s ongoing genocide in the Gaza Strip.^{Amnesty International}