Ten years ago today, 22nd of July 2011, a Norwegian man opened fire against defenseless teenagers at an island near Oslo. He also arranged a bomb explosion downtown Oslo, at the government’s area. His attacks killed 77 people and injured several more.
The reason? He was from extreme right wing and said he wanted to “clean” Norway. He had planed the attack for years. On the day, he parked a van at the government’s area. After the explosion, he dressed as a policeman, took a boat to Utøya, the island that was a holiday colony for young affiliates to Labour party. When he arrived, the victims thought he was there to protect them. Instead, he opened fire.
The man was arrested and convicted for 21 years in prison. That’s the highest penalty in Norway.
It was such a horrible happening that everybody remembers where they were, just like the September 11th in the USA. On that day, I was in Norway, visiting with my future husband. We were saying at a friend’s house. I didn’t speak Norwegian well at that time. I had trouble understanding the words, but I understood the gravity.
How Norwegians tackled the attack. With deep sadness, sorrow, empathy, dignity. No hate, only sadness. The prime minister back then, Jens Stoltenberg was precise in his response and leadership. His concern about intolerance and hate guided his speech. We must stick together. More tolerance, more empathy.
Today, ten years later, there has been a mark with ceremony at a church in Oslo with the presence of the king and queen of Norway, the current prime minister Erna Solberg and other members of the royal family and the government. A step-brother to the crown princess Mete-Marit was killed in the attack.
This terror attack was one of the most horrible in the history of Norway. The one that killed most people since World War II. In my opinion, the reactions that most Norwegians show symbolizes the Norwegian society principles that seek: inclusion, care, a fair life for all.
There’s a famous film about the attack called 22nd of July. Check it here.
I like very much the way you describe events in Norway.
Penso que foi um ataque de um desequilibrado mental.