Threatening politicians online? Authorities may come knocking at your door
The Norwegian Police Security Service (PST) announces tougher action against people who threaten and harass politicians online. The number of such criminal cases has increased over the past year. PST Deputy Chief Inga Bejer Engh warns that the authors of the most serious posts may be visited at home.
Authorities assess each case individually.
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There has been an increase in the number of criminal cases in Norway concerning threats and hate directed at politicians. In 2026, PST is handling nine such proceedings. In the same period in 2025, there were three similar cases. PST Deputy Chief Inga Bejer Engh warns that authorities may respond directly at the homes and residences of those committing these offenses.
Hate against politicians under PST scrutiny. Number of cases is rising
According to Bejer Engh, PST wants to act more decisively. This concerns posts that cross the boundaries of public debate. The Norwegian Police Security Service first checks whether the statement is punishable. At the same time, it assesses whether the threat could be carried out.
The person threatened can receive support. They can also get advice and security measures. PST points to several recent cases. In one of them, the penalty was a suspended 21-day prison sentence and a fine of NOK 20,000. "If we want to stop this, we have to be tougher," Inga Bejer Engh told VG.
The person threatened can receive support. They can also get advice and security measures. PST points to several recent cases. In one of them, the penalty was a suspended 21-day prison sentence and a fine of NOK 20,000. "If we want to stop this, we have to be tougher," Inga Bejer Engh told VG.
PST points out that online hate leads to the radicalization of both sides of the political conflict.Photo: stock.adobe.com/standard license
Norwegian authorities warn internet users
The case described by PST management concerned racist and threatening messages sent to a politician. The content included threats of violence. Two other cases ended with fines of NOK 6,000 each. They concerned behavior deemed to be harassment.
PST notes that the line between freedom of speech and a crime can be thin. However, Bejer Engh emphasizes that freedom of speech does not include threats and hate. The service is also concerned about the impact of such actions on democracy. According to PST, hatred towards politicians and conspiracy theories can foster radicalization. "If you do this online, PST may consequently come to your home. If what you write constitutes a crime, you will be punished," VG reports.
PST notes that the line between freedom of speech and a crime can be thin. However, Bejer Engh emphasizes that freedom of speech does not include threats and hate. The service is also concerned about the impact of such actions on democracy. According to PST, hatred towards politicians and conspiracy theories can foster radicalization. "If you do this online, PST may consequently come to your home. If what you write constitutes a crime, you will be punished," VG reports.
PST now has a broader scope of responsibility than before. The service no longer deals only with the most serious cases concerning the government, parliament, and Supreme Court. It also covers cases involving a wider range of public figures, including members of the central authorities of party youth organizations.
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