A gunman's attack on Oslo's Pride celebrations in June 2022 left a dark memory in Norway's LGBTQ+ community.
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| Zaniar Matapour appears in court in Oslo, Norway, March 12, 2024. (Lise Åserud/NTB Scanpix via AP, File) |
Zaniar Matapour, an Iranian-born Norwegian citizen, was recently sentenced to the maximum penalty of 30 years in prison for terrorism and murder charges. The attack targeted the LGBTQ+ community in Norway and killed two people and caused injuries to nine others.
The shooting happened on June 25th, 2022, near central Oslo. Matapour opened fire outside the London Pub, a popular LGBTQ+ venue, and two other locations. Authorities reported that he used a machine gun and a handgun, firing a total of 18 shots into the crowd.
Zaniar Matapour was overpowered by bystanders after the attack and later arrested. A pride parade was canceled following the incident, as police stated they could not ensure safety. Matapour pleaded innocent but was found sane at the time of the attack by a court-appointed psychiatrist.
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| Zaniar Matapour appears in court - AP photos |
The Oslo District Court ruled that Matapour's actions were a deliberate attempt to target the LGBTQ+ community and instill fear. Evidence presented in court showed that Matapour had been radicalized for several years and had pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group.
The Oslo District Court revealed that Zaniar Matapour, 45, fired 10 rounds with a machine gun and eight with a handgun into a crowd. The court's verdict stated, “The attack undoubtedly targeted gay people,” with the intent to both kill and instill fear in the LGBTQ community.
Prosecutors showed that Matapour has a history of mental illness and had pledged allegiance to ISIS. Convicted of “aggravated act of terrorism” and murder, his 30-year sentence is Norway’s harshest since 2015.
Although his term could be extended if deemed a continuing threat, his lawyer, Marius Dietrichson argued for acquittal, claiming motivation by a Danish intelligence agent posing as an ISIL leader.
Read here: Club Q Shooter Gets 55 Life Sentences Plus 190 Years in Prison for LGBTQ+ Hate Crimes
During the trial, both the prosecution and defense sided that Matapour had fired into a crowd, and there was no dispute that the shooting was “terror-motivated.” According to Norwegian media reports, his prison term could be extended indefinitely if he is deemed a continuing threat to society.
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| Flowers and Norwegian flag near the scene of shooting - AP photos |
The two victims who lost their lives were identified as Kim Andre Johnsen (48) and Harald Veland (60). Both were mourned by their families and the LGBTQ+ community. Nine others sustained serious injuries in the attack.
Matapour's conviction and sentence were met with relief and sorrow. While some expressed satisfaction that justice had been served, others highlighted the lasting impact of the attack on the victims and the LGBTQ+ community as a whole.
Read here: Club Q Shooter Gets 55 Life Sentences Plus 190 Years in Prison for LGBTQ+ Hate Crimes
The Oslo Pride shooting served as a reminder of the ongoing threats faced by LGBTQ+ communities around the world. Following the attack, vigils and marches were held in Oslo and other cities to honor the victims and promote tolerance and inclusion.
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