An Oslo court started hearing arguments on Monday in the first trial ever held in Norway that involves terrorism charges. A 30-year-old man is charged, among other things, with firing shots at a synagogue in Oslo. Arfan Qadeer Bhatti, age 30, and another 28-year-old accomplice are also charged with planning terrorist attacks against the Israeli and American embassies in Oslo. Bhatti is further charged with firing shots at the suburban Bærum home of one of the leaders of a failed pyramid scheme, and threatening his family because the man owned Bhatti money.Bhatti has been held in police custody since being arrested after the synagogue shooting in September 2006. Police maintain they have a strong case against him and another 29-year-old accomplice, including tapes of phone conversations in which Bhatti allegedly planned the attacks on the embassies and synagogue. Bhatti, however, vehemently denies having anything to do with either the synagogue or Bærum shootings. He appeared in court on Monday smiling, and his defense attorney claimed he was ready for a fight.
Bhatti admitted on the opening day of his trial that he "might" have sent some mobile phone text messages that "could" have been interpreted as "frightening." But he claimed no knowledge of or involvement in the shootings, and suggested the Bærum shooting stemmed from a conflict involving stolen property. "I don't want to speculate on who may be behind the shooting," he told judge Kim Heger.
Bhatti also claimed he was "glad" he'd been shadowed and had his phone tapped by Norway's special police force PST.
"It will prove my innocence," he said.The Oslo City Court (Tingrett) has allotted 40 days for the trial, during which around 50 witnesses will be heard.
"You believe that?" asked the prosecutor.
"Yes, I believe that," Bhatti replied.