Norway Defends Tightening Security Last Week Over Possible Terror Risk Wall Street Journal (07/31/14) Hovland, Kjetil Malkenes Norwegian Minister of Justice and Public Security Anders Anundsen on Thursday defended the surge in security that followed a July 24 warning by the Police Security Service of a possible imminent terror attack. I think warning the population was right, given that the Police Security Service had information about a real threat to Norway, said Anundsen. National police stepped up security last week following the announcement of the terror threat, with armed guards patrolling train stations, airports, and border crossings. Security was relaxed again on Tuesday after news that the threat had lessened. Benedicte Bjornland, the head of the Police Security Service, on Thursday said the threat of imminent attack was reduced and that the public warning may have helped to discourage the potential attack, said to be plotted by Syrian fighters. Still, the warning and surge in security was criticized by some, including ruling party politician Jan Arild-Ellingsen, who compared it to crying wolf. Anundsen countered that failing to increase security in light of the threat would have been irresponsible. Terrorism remains a serious concern for Norwegian security officials three years after a right-wing terrorist murdered 77 people in bombings and shootings in Oslo and nearby Utoya island.
Posted on: Sat, 02 Aug 2014 03:40:05 +0000
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