Two Norwegian Citizens Arrested in Bergen and Branded as Hamas Operatives in German Terror Indictment
Two Norwegian citizens arrested in Bergen last May have been identified as foreign Hamas operatives
in a 200-page German terror indictment, according to an investigation detailed by NRK and corroborated by VG. While German prosecutors outline a sprawling plot to target Jewish sites in Berlin and Vienna, Norway’s Police Security Service (PST) maintains its own domestic criminal case against the men, even though they were released from custody after four weeks and are currently not among the eight individuals formally indicted in Germany.
Investigation Details and Weapons Cache Discoveries
The German indictment alleges that an international cell intended to strike in connection with the two-year anniversary of the October 7 attacks, utilizing a network that established weapon caches across Europe. According to NRK, the German case relies heavily on the seizure of a Crvena Zastava automatic rifle, eight semiautomatic Glock pistols, and more than 600 rounds of ammunition intercepted just as they changed hands. German police reportedly relied on an inside informant to disrupt the operation. While the two Norwegian men—born in North Africa and the Middle East respectively—are named in the German court documents as witnesses rather than defendants, PST continues to investigate them in Norway on suspicion of complicity in terror planning and weapons deliveries.
Legal Defense and PST Stance
Both men deny all criminal culpability and reject any association with Hamas. Prosecutor Haris Hrenovica told NRK that the domestic case remains active and the formal suspicions upheld, though PST declined further comment. Defense attorneys representing the two men confirmed their clients have cooperated with authorities. Jørgen Riple, representing one of the suspects, told VG that his client answered all police questions during an interrogation session attended by German investigators via video link. Erik Ulvesæter, counsel for the second Norwegian citizen, confirmed to VG that his client has given a formal statement maintaining his innocence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were the two Norwegian men released from custody?
Norwegian authorities released both men after four weeks in pre-trial detention in Bergen following their initial arrest on May 29. Although they are no longer in custody, PST maintains its formal suspicion against them for complicity in terror planning and weapons supply.
What specific targets are mentioned in the German indictment?
The German court documents do not point to a single finalized target, but the indictment references specific synagogues in Berlin alongside Jewish community locations in Vienna.
Are the two men facing trial in Germany alongside the other suspects?
No. While eight other men with citizenships from countries including Bulgaria, Lebanon, Germany, and Denmark face formal charges in Germany, the two Norwegians hold the legal status of witnesses in the German proceedings while facing separate investigations by PST in Norway.
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