Norway Secures Extradition of Terror Suspect Arfan Bhatti from Pakistan

In a significant development, Norway has successfully secured the extradition of Arfan Bhatti, a 46-year-old Norwegian resident, from Pakistan. Bhatti, who was arrested in Pakistan in September 2022, faces charges of being an accomplice to an aggravated act of terror in connection with the 2022 pride festival shooting that claimed two lives and left nine wounded.

Why this matters: This extradition sets a precedent for international cooperation in combating terrorism, particularly in cases where extradition treaties are absent. The successful extradition of Bhatti may also have implications for future counter-terrorism efforts, as it demonstrates the ability of countries to work together to bring suspects to justice.

The extradition is considered a rare move, as Norway and Pakistan do not have an extradition treaty. Bhatti had been fighting extradition to Norway for over a year and a half, but Pakistani authorities finally decided to hand him over to Norwegian police. If found guilty of the charges against him, Bhatti could face up to 30 years in prison.

Norwegian Justice Minister Emilie Enger Mehl confirmed Bhatti's extradition, stating, "Arfan Bhatti is now on a plane escorted by Norwegian police." She emphasized that upon his arrival in Oslo, Bhatti will be immediately transferred to prison and arrested over the weekend. The minister stressed the importance of Bhatti's extradition, saying, "It has been very important that he was taken out of Pakistan. Investigation and conviction and judgment must decide the question of guilt."

Bhatti is accused of helping to plan the terrorist attack on the Oslo LGBTQ+ festival, which took place on June 25, 2022, just hours before the parade was set to begin. The suspected shooter, Zaniar Matapour, a 44-year-old Norwegian of Iranian origin, is currently on trial for an"act of terror"but has pleaded not guilty. Bhatti denies any involvement in the attack.

The investigation into the case is now entering a new phase, with Norwegian police aiming to conduct extensive investigations to shed light on Bhatti's possible role in the attack. Minister Mehl acknowledged the profound impact the shooting has had on the affected community, saying, "I have met many affected people who find it difficult to move forward when we don't have all the answers. Many people have been angry, especially in the strange environment."

Bhatti's Pakistani lawyer, Hassan Pasha, believes that the extradition decision was wrong and has vowed to continue fighting for his client. "We will fight on. We believe that mistakes have been made and we will demand that Bhatti be brought back to Pakistan," Pasha stated.

The trial against Zaniar Matapour began in the Oslo District Court on March 12, 2024, and is expected to last until mid-May. Bhatti is expected to be called to testify during the trial. The case unfolding, the world will be watching to see if justice is served for the victims of the Oslo festival shooting and if Bhatti's alleged involvement is proven in court.

Key Takeaways

• Norway extradites Arfan Bhatti from Pakistan for alleged role in 2022 Oslo Pride festival shooting.
• Bhatti faces charges of being an accomplice to an aggravated act of terror, punishable by up to 30 years in prison.
• The extradition sets a precedent for international cooperation in combating terrorism without an extradition treaty.
• Bhatti denies involvement in the attack, which killed 2 and injured 9, and will be called to testify in the trial of suspected shooter Zaniar Matapour.
• The trial is expected to last until mid-May, with the world watching to see if justice is served for the victims.