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NORWAY: Racist killers jailed for murder

01 January 2002

Two Norwegians, Joe Jahr and Ole Kvisler, have been convicted of stabbing to death a black teenager in a racially motivated killing last January. The two men, members of the far-right "Bootboys" group, murdered fifteen-year old Benjamin Hermansen, last January after planning and setting out to "get a foreigner". A third person, Veronica Andreassen, was convicted as an accessory after she admitted picking out Benjamin as a victim; she was sentenced to three years. The prosecution had demanded the maximum sentence of 21 years for the two men for the premeditated murder, but they were jailed for 16 and 15 years respectively, causing family members to question Norwegian "justice."
Benjamin Hermansen died of multiple stab wounds 500 metres from his home in the Oslo suburb of Holmlia. His murder, which was described as a "watershed" by prime minister Jens Stoltenberg, prompted a demonstration of 40,000 people. However there are indications that Norway is becoming increasingly intolerant and in last September's elections the ruling Labour Party was ousted by a right-wing coalition that was supported by the racist Progress Party. Norway accepts around 15,000 migrants annually, but few are to be seen outside of the capital.
Benjamin's stabbing was admitted by Jahr, but forensic tests demonstrated that he did not act alone and that two knives had been used in the murder, demonstrating that Kvisler had also been an active participant. Prosecutors called for the maximum sentence - of 21 years - for the role Jahr played and for a 19 year sentence for Kvisler. Their sentences of 16 and 15 years were widely condemned with Nadeem Butt, of the government sponsored Centre Against Racism, commenting: "When the case was so clear cut and had a clear racial motive my initial reaction is that the sentences may be low". The Hermansen family were outraged at the sentences and Benjamin's mother, Marit, said "I thought there was going to be some kind of justice here. But there was no justice. I think they should have got 21 years."

Guardian 18.1.02.; Independent 18.1.02.