Arfan Bhatti, accused of terrorism, appeared in the Oslo district court on Friday and asked to be released from custody. However, the court did not agree with him and imprisoned him for another four weeks. The police say they will soon finish the investigation against the 47-year-old.
– The police believe that it is still realistic to have the case fully investigated during the end of November, says police attorney Ingvild Myrold to NTB.
The prosecution had previously announced that they would ask for continued imprisonment for four weeks, and that Bhatti should be subject to a letter and visiting ban for the entire period. The prosecution argued that there is a risk of tampering with evidence and a risk of evasion, as before.
Wanted to open the doors
– The police maintained their request for detention in court. The accused petitioned to be released, says Myrold.
The prison meeting was held behind closed doors at the request of the police. Bhatti himself wanted the opposite.
– He does not trust the Norwegian authorities as the legal process has been until now. He wanted the public to have insight into the process. When the public is denied access, he no longer sees any point in explaining himself, says lawyer Inger Zadig, who defends Bhatti, to NTB.
In the imprisonment order, deputy judge Anja Vestøl Hauge writes that Bhatti was most likely involved in the planning of the mass shooting in Oslo on the night of 26 June 2022. It also believes that there is a risk that he will evade prosecution if he is released.
– The court points out that the case leaves an impression that the action was well planned with high operational security. There are also indications that Bhatti is opposing the investigation, the ruling states.
Refuses questioning
Bhatti is charged with complicity in the terrorist attack in Oslo on the night of 25 June 2022, where Zaniar Matapour shot and killed two people and injured a number of others. The 47-year-old Islamist Bhatti was linked early on as a mastermind and planner of the attack, but had left Norway when the attack occurred during pride in Oslo on the night in question.
Since he was extradited from Pakistan to Norway at the beginning of May this year, Bhatti has refused to cooperate with the police. The prison meeting on Friday was the first time he physically appeared in court, but to complain about the conditions of his sentence and petition for release.
During his time in custody, Arfan Bhatti has rejected all attempts by the police to question him.
Requires inspection
– It is not true that he does not want to be questioned. He was interrogated under torture over five to six days in Pakistan on Norwegian orders. He is willing to give a new statement, provided that he is first given full access to the criminal case, says lawyer Inger Zadig.
Myrold says the investigators are interested in hearing Bhatti’s explanation.
– The police always want to hear the accused’s explanation. If Bhatti should change his mind, the police are ready to receive him, says the police attorney.
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**Interview: Ingvild Myrold – Police Attorney on the Arfan Bhatti Case**
*Host:* Thank you for joining us, Ingvild Myrold. As the police attorney involved in the Arfan Bhatti case, can you give us an overview of the current situation following the recent court proceedings?
*Ingvild Myrold:* Thank you for having me. Following Arfan Bhatti’s appearance in the Oslo district court, the judge ruled for his continued custody for an additional four weeks as we finalize our investigation. Our aim is to ensure all evidence is safeguarded and to prevent any risk of tampering or evasion during this critical period.
*Host:* There seems to be a significant emphasis on the risk of evidence tampering. Can you elaborate on what drove the prosecution to seek continued imprisonment?
*Myrold:* Certainly. The prosecution presented substantial concerns regarding the potential for evidence to be compromised if Bhatti were released. Given the serious nature of the accusations against him, we felt it was necessary to maintain him in custody while we complete our thorough investigations.
*Host:* Bhatti’s lawyer mentioned that he requested a public hearing to allow for transparency. What’s your stance on that?
*Myrold:* The decision for a closed hearing was made based on safety protocols and sensitivities surrounding the case. While we understand the desire for transparency, our priority is to protect the integrity of the investigation and ensure that it proceeds without external interference.
*Host:* Bhatti reportedly expressed distrust towards the authorities. How do you view his concerns in light of the ongoing legal proceedings?
*Myrold:* It’s not uncommon for individuals in custody, particularly in serious cases, to feel apprehensive about the legal process. Our focus remains on conducting a fair and thorough investigation, and we aim to uphold accountability throughout the proceedings.
*Host:* Thank you, Ingvild, for that insight. We’ll be keeping an eye on the developments in this case as it unfolds.
*Myrold:* Thank you for having me. The investigation is ongoing, and we are committed to ensuring justice is served.
*Host:* We appreciate your time today.
