Norwegian Police Close Case Against Professor Praising Hamas October 7 Attack

The Trøndelag police in Norway have closed the investigation against Professor Bassam Hussein after he described the Hamas terror attack on October 7 as "the most beautiful thing that happened this century" during an event at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in Trondheim. Despite criticism from pro-Israel activists and Israeli representatives in Norway, the police ruled that Hussein's statement did not meet the legal threshold for criminal prosecution under Norwegian law.

Norway has not designated Hamas as a terrorist organization and is known for its hostile stance toward Israel. Hussein, a Palestinian-origin engineering professor at NTNU, is also known for his pro-Palestinian activism, including leading protests and establishing a tent camp outside the university demanding severance of academic and industrial ties with Israel. He has stated that NTNU is "the only university that has not yet discussed the situation in Gaza," and expressed personal anxiety over his family in a refugee camp in northern Gaza.

The video of Hussein’s remarks was recorded at the university event and posted on YouTube. Israel’s acting ambassador to Norway, Eitan Halon, condemned the comments on social media as a "shocking glorification of terror," arguing that a Hamas supporter should not be allowed to teach students in Norway. The police informed complainants that Hussein’s conduct was not punishable and noted that the decision can be appealed within three weeks to a higher prosecutorial authority.

The activist group StoppNRK, which accused Hussein of incitement and praising terrorism, announced plans to appeal the police decision. Israeli-Norwegian activist On Alfalag criticized the ruling, saying it sends a message of tolerance toward support for Hamas and expressed concern about safety for Jews in Norway. The Israeli embassy in Norway has been operating without an official ambassador since May 2024, following the recall of Ambassador Avi Nir after Norway recognized a Palestinian state.