In October, seven Russians were arrested in Norway in connection with photography or drone activity. PST believes that the purpose of the activity was either espionage or to create fear. In an interview with Debatten on Thursday, Russia’s ambassador to Norway, Teimuraz Otarovich Ramishvili, claims that they do not know who the seven are, and that none of them have sought assistance from the embassy. – We do not know who the arrested are. They came to Norway as individuals or as part of a group. They came on tourist visas, and we must therefore assume that they are tourists, he claims. Ramishvili believes the regulations are unclear, and is surprised that drones are categorized as aircraft. – The rules do not say anything about drones or photography equipment. They are about aircraft. According to the Ministry of Transport, drones are considered aircraft. You can see more of the interview with the Russian ambassador in Debatten. Teimauraz Ramashvili says it is only Norway’s fault that relations with Russia are bad. PST takes over investigation PST will now look at the seven cases together, but they cannot yet say anything about who is behind it, and whether there is any connection between the cases. – In order to ensure a thorough investigation of these various incidents, the Attorney General has decided that PST shall have centralized investigative responsibility when it comes to illegal drone activity on a national basis, said assistant PST chief Hedvig moe on Tuesday. Assistant PST manager Hedvig Moe during the press conference on Wednesday. Photo: Rodrigo Freitas / NTB PST has previously warned against increasing Russian intelligence activity due to the war in Ukraine. But Moe emphasizes that they have not reached a conclusion in these matters. – It is important for me to state that we in PST cannot conclude who is behind it and what they want to achieve, she said. Do you think they will be released? Russians are not allowed to fly in Norway, either by plane or drone. In connection with the sanctions that were introduced after Russia invaded Ukraine, there was a regulation. She prohibits Russians from flying over the Norwegian mainland, Svalbard, Jan Mayen and the airspace over Norwegian maritime territory. Ramishvili claims Norwegian authorities are discriminating when only Russians are stopped and prevented from using drones in Norway. – The governing authorities cannot use these rules to suspect all Russians of being spies. This is hysteria. He does not think the Norwegian authorities will find criminal acts, and says he is sure that everyone will soon be set free. – The police will not find anything on the hard drives. Therefore, everyone will be set free, but they will not receive any reason from the authorities, he claims. Gathering information When directly asked whether Russia is spying on Norway, Ramishvili takes a short pause to think before answering. – We collect information on everything from insurance issues to cultural matters. Just as the Norwegian embassy in Moscow also does. We observe and analyze and collect information. Ramishvili says all countries collect information about each other. Photo: Margret Hellan / news He says that both Norway and Russia monitor each other across the border. And claims there are submarine activities on both sides of the border. – But on the Norwegian side, the whole of NATO is involved, including the USA, targeting a single country. The Minister of Justice is waiting for an answer Justice and Emergency Services Minister Emilie Enger Mehl (Sp) tells news that it is up to the police, the prosecution and the courts to assess how the flight ban for Russians fits in the case of the seven imprisoned Russians. – As Minister of Justice and Emergency Preparedness, I cannot comment on the individual cases, or know anything about what lies behind them. It is the PST that will investigate, and then we will get more answers. Minister of Justice and Emergency Preparedness Emilie Enger Mehl (Sp). Photo: Even Bjøringsøy Johnsen / news But if it turns out that the Russians came to gather information, it is serious, Mehl believes. – It is unacceptable for the Norwegian authorities that Russians engage in espionage against Norway, or pose a threat to our security, if that is the case. We have said that quite clearly, and it is a message that it is important that we send to Russia.
ttn-69
