Police in Oslo decided not to raid a large camp on Friday that’s been set up illegally by migrant poor Roma near the lake Sognsvann. Roma in Trondheim also found a new place to camp, but both situations are temporary.
The migrant poor, who mostly come from Romania and Bulgaria to beg on the streets of Norwegian cities and towns, have been routed from one camp to the next this summer because their settlements violate local ordinances and create public health and sanitation concerns.
News bureau NTB reported that five tents housing up to 25 persons were allowed on the grounds of Tiller Church, but those staying there fled early Friday after hearing shots and believing they were the targets. They were back at Vår Frue Church in Trondheim Friday afternoon, where they’ve been allowed to stay through the night.
A large Roma group camped at Sognsvann in Oslo was also allowed to remain on Friday, after police decided to postpone forced removal of their tents. The land where an estimated 100 Roma are now camping is owned by state building agency Statsbygg, which ordered them to leave on Wednesday.
The Roma demanded negotiations with Statsbygg, which the agency flatly refused. Statsbygg stresses that no one is allowed to set up tents in the area for more than two days.
Another Roma group is filing complaints, with the assistance of their support group Folk er folk, over alleged police harassment, after police have been called upon to remove other illegal camps.
Views and News staff
