Prosecutors seek 30-year detention for Arfan Bhatti

Prosecutors in Norway have requested a 30-year detention sentence, with a minimum term of 20 years, for Arfan Bhatti during his appeal hearing at the Borgarting Court of Appeal. Bhatti, a 49-year-old Islamist, is charged with complicity in aggravated terrorism regarding the June 25, 2022, shooting attack against the LGBTQ+ community in Oslo.

The prosecution alleges that Bhatti assisted Zaniar Matapour in the attack and subsequently proposed further terrorist actions while communicating with an individual he believed was affiliated with ISIS, but who was actually an agent for the Norwegian Intelligence Service.

Bhatti has denied all criminal charges, with his defense attorney, John Christian Elden, arguing for full acquittal. The defense maintains that the law does not allow for complicity charges if assistance is only provided after a crime has been completed. The court is expected to deliver a final verdict following the conclusion of closing arguments.