2008–2009 Oslo riots
On 29 December 2008, a large-scale series of riots broke out across Oslo, Norway, two days after Israel initiated "Operation Cast Lead" against Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip. Stemming from ongoing pro-Palestinian protests in the city, the initial riots took place outside of the Embassy of Israel and continued for almost two weeks. The most violent and destructive riots took place on 8 and 10 January, when hundreds or thousands of demonstrators spread throughout Oslo and attacked public and private property (particularly government buildings, McDonald's, and the Oslo Freemasonry Lodge) as well as civilians: the rioters mainly targeted Jews and people suspected of being Jewish, but also attacked people affiliated with the LGBT community and known and suspected pro-Israel activists. Additionally, violent clashes between the demonstrators and Norwegian police officers led to hundreds of injuries. Between 29 December and 10 January, the Oslo Police had arrested around 200 people, mostly Muslims, of whom a significant amount were registered asylum seekers. The rioters had been supported by left-wing activists of Blitz.
| 2008–2009 Oslo riots | |
|---|---|
| Part of the Israeli–Palestinian conflict | |
Norwegian police officers with arrested rioters, 2009 | |
| Location | Oslo, Norway |
| Coordinates | 59°54′48″N 10°44′20″E |
| Date | 29 December 2008 – 10 January 2009 (1 week and 5 days) |
| Target | Jews (primarily), queers, pro-Israel activists, government/police personnel |
Attack type | Riots and arson, vandalism, hate crimes |
| Weapons | Stones, Molotov cocktails, bottles, iron rods, fireworks, etc. |
No. of participants | Hundreds with direct involvement among thousands of protesters |
| Defender | Oslo Police District |
| Motive | Outbreak of the Gaza War between Israel and Hamas-led Palestinian militants on 27 December |
| Accused | 200+ arrested (mainly Muslims and Blitz-affiliated leftists) |
| Convicted | 10 prosecuted and less than 10 convicted |