PST charges the cohabitant of Wara

The police are searching the home of Minister of Justice, Tor Mikkel Wara. Photo: Heiko Junge / NTB scanpix

PST charges the cohabitant of Tor Mikkel Wara for a car fire

PST charges Laila Anita Bertheussen (54), for putting the couple’s car on fire. Bertheussen is the cohabitant of Norwegian Minister of Justice, Tor Mikkel Wara,


PST charges the cohabitant of Tor Mikkel Wara for putting their car on fire during the night to March 10th. Bertheusen is, however, not charged for past events outside the couple’s home.

“PST has today charged the cohabitant of Minister of Justice Tor Mikkel Wara, Laila Anita Bertheussen, for violation of the Penal Code section 225, letter b. This section relates to actions to arouse suspicion that a criminal act has been committed, without cause. We suspect that the accused herself has out their car on fire. By that giving the impression that the act was done by unknown perpetrators  ”PST chief, Benedicte Bjørnland, states at a press conference on Thursday afternoon.

“The relationship is seen in connection with previous threats to the Minister of Justice. The accused may have arranged for the police to investigate this incident as an escalation of the threats previously made. She was arrested on Thursday. The cohabitant was first made aware of our suspicion during her arrest,” Bjørnland continues.

The PST boss says that the police rely on a comprehensive assessment of evidence as a background for the charge.

”The suspicion is increased since yesterday,” Bjørnland explains adding that:

“She is not charged for past events, but it is natural to view these in context.”

No reason for detainment

“The investigation is in an initial phase, and Bertheussen is now being questioned by the PST. The case will be investigated broadly with a view to clarifying both guilt and innocence. The action can be according to several penal offences. If it is appropriate to extend the charge, is too early to say anything about,” she elaborates.

”Oslo District Court decided that the accused’s residence could be searched on Thursday. The court thus finds that there is a good reason to suspect that the relationship Bertheussen is charged with,” Bjørnland concludes.

PST believes there is no basis for detaining Bertheussen.

The charge for false accusation carries a penalty of fines and/or imprisonment for up to one year.

Denies being guilty as charged

“I have had a longish conversation with my client after questioning. She is very adamant that the police are barking up the wrong tree. She answered all their questions. She provided PST with access to all information in her power, in order to prove her innocence,” Lawyer, John Christian Elden, tells Aftenposten.


© NTB Scanpix / #Norway Today
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