Islamist Afran Bhatti is on trial today, charged with with complicity in the terrorist attack in downtown Oslo on June 25, 2022 (also called the pride attack). He denies any guilt.

For the occasion, he appeared with short hair and no beard, unlike his normal Islamist self.

The key evidence in the case consists of messages on the encrypted service Telegram. The prosecution claims that Bhatti wrote messages to an undercover agent he believed to be an ISIS leader:

“These chats show that the person we believe to be Arfan Bhatti both ties himself to Matapour’s terrorist attack and suggests new terrorist attacks to his counterpart that he could take part in,” said state prosecutor Sturla Henriksbø.

According to the indictment, Bhatti proposed several acts of terrorism in both Pakistan and Norway. Among other things, he allegedly suggested that he could persuade a woman he knew to carry out a suicide attack. He also proposed luring Norwegian journalists down to Pakistan so they could be kidnapped, the indictment claims.

Bhatti has been a central figure in both gang crime and Islamist extremism in Norway for decades. His history includes repeated indictments and convictions:

•1990s: Active in the violent street gangs Young Guns and B-gjengen. Convicted several times for armed robbery, violent assault, and weapons offenses.

•2006 – Synagogue Shooting in Oslo:

•Arrested after shots were fired at the Jewish synagogue in Oslo.

•Indicted for terrorism, but acquitted of the terror charge.

•Convicted for complicity in aggravated vandalism related to the shooting, and illegal possession of firearms.

•2010 – Supreme Court Ruling:
Norway’s Supreme Court increased his sentence to 8 years in prison for the synagogue case.

•2012–2014 – Violence and Threats: After serving his sentence, Bhatti faced new cases involving threats and violence, including against family members and a former partner.

•In 2014 he was convicted of domestic violence.

•2016 – Flight to Pakistan: While wanted in connection with a violent case, Bhatti traveled to Pakistan and remained there. He was internationally wanted by Norwegian authorities, but Pakistan did not extradite him.

•2010s–2020s – Islamist Activity: Throughout the decade, Bhatti became increasingly tied to radical Islamist networks and openly expressed sympathy for ISIS.

He used social media to spread jihadist propaganda and issue threats.

•2022 – Arrest in Pakistan: Pakistani authorities arrested him at Norway’s request after the Oslo Pride terrorist attack (carried out by Zaniar Matapour).

Bhatti was suspected of involvement and of encouraging further terrorist acts.

Despite Norway’s extradition request, Pakistan released him, and he continued to live freely for some time.

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