The Oslo chapter of the Hells Angels motorcycle club won a court battle on Wednesday against the Oslo police, which had seized the property last week in a commando-style raid. The court ruled that the raid and physical expulsions of five members were illegal.
Police were ordered to explain why they raided the controversial clubhouse at Alnabru on Oslo’s east side, in an armed operation October 23. Police said they believed the property repeatedly has been the site of illegal activity.
Prosecutor Jorid Kile argued that the police raid, which involved commando troops and police dogs, wasn’t unreasonable because police have found large quantities of illegal weapons and ammunition in the clubhouse.
“There’s no doubt that those who have occupied the house knew that weapons were being stored there, and didn’t react,” Kile said.
Judge Kim Heger in the Oslo City Court didn’t agree, claiming the police had no right to storm the property and take it over. Hells Angels spokesman Rune Olsgaard was relieved, and claimed he didn’t know about any weapons storage on the property.
“I’m against all crime,” he said in court. “Now I’ve been thrown out onto the street, completely without warning.” He has lived in the clubhouse since 1995 and describes it as a sort of residential cooperative.
The judge also refused to ban Hells Angels members from the clubhouse pending a police appeal of his decision. That means Hells Angels members could move back into the property Wednesday night..
newsinenglish.no staff