Sian denied political gathering for the remembrance of the 22nd of July in Trondheim

Rita Ottervik (Mayor of Trondheim).Photo: Ole Morten Melgård / NTB scanpix

The organization Stop islamization of Norway (Sian) will not be allowed to hold a political gathering on 22 July in Trondheim on the day before, Saturday 21 July.

 

It is the church council that owns the memorial, and they have put their foot down for such a gathering, says Adresseavisen.

“It’s short and good because this is a memorial and we do it for the sake of victims and survivors. We also have Muslim victims that were affected during that terrorist action. This is the foundation of the Church, and we can not accept such a political gathering on behalf of the Church,” said Svein Willy Danielsen, chairman of the Church Council in Trondheim.

Sian writes on their website that they see Islam as a threat to Norway’s peace and freedom, Lars Thorsen of Sian says to Adresseavisen that they really wanted to gather on the square, but it is under renovation. In addition, Sian had applied first for 30th of June.

Thorsen from Sian says that they are considering to complain.

“We are not looking to provoke anyone, but we have nothing to do with the terrorist action or the victims. We relate to the park itself and it is more than a July 22 monument. It’s a park, not just a memorial,” says Thorsen.

Mayor Rita Ottervik (AP) has previously mentioned that it would be unacceptable to allow political marches or gatherings at a memorial especially after the 22nd of July at the Tordenskioldparken.

“But I have also said that it should be an open and inclusive space with respect for people. It is to be a place we can distance ourselves from extreme political and ideological attitudes and actions. I do not perceive Sian is very keen on openness, respect and democracy,” says the Mayor Ottervik.

 

© NTB scanpix / #Norway Today