Hagen wants stricter watch over Islamist groups [Norway awakes?]
Aftenposten ^ | November 17, 2004 | by Jonathan Tisdall
 

Carl I. Hagen, outspoken leader of Norway's populist Progress Party (Fr.P), wants the government to consider tougher measures against fringe Muslim groups in the country. The Fr.P raises the issue in connection with a parliamentary White Paper on security, and also wants approval procedures for imams in Norway.

"If extremist tendencies emerge we must be able to do something. We must be prepared that what has happened in the Netherlands can also happen in Norway," Hagen told Norwegian Broadcasting (NRK).

Religious based violence erupted in the Netherlands after controversial director Theo van Gogh was murdered by an extremist Muslim for a film criticizing Islam's treatment of women.

Hagen said the White Paper had few concrete suggestions about fighting terrorism. He proposed surveillance and infiltration of groups that invite (Islamic) fundamentalist politicians and those that publicly express views 'that frighten the Norwegian people'.

Labor politician Marit Nybakk, head of parliament's defense committee, agreed the White Paper was not a satisfactory response to the Vulnerability Commission's conclusions. Nybakk also agreed that Muslim fundamentalists make up the primary terrorist threat but rejected Hagen's suggestions.

"This is the stigmatization of very large groups. Hagen mixes immigration policy into the discussion of overall security and how Norwegian society shall be secured against terror. But having readiness to meet terrorists does not mean that we shall stigmatize and monitor all Muslims in Norway. That is simply loathsome," Nybakk told NRK.