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Norway expels 15 Russian diplomats accused of spying

14 April 2023

Norway is expelling 15 Russian diplomats who have been accused of spying.

In an announcement, the Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs Anniken Huitfeldt said that the 15 Russian diplomats had been "engaging in activities that are not compatible with their diplomatic status", and were therefore declared personae non gratae.

"This is an important step in countering, and reducing the level of, Russian intelligence activity in Norway, and thus in safeguarding our national interests," Ms Huitfeldt said.

"Russia currently poses the greatest intelligence threat to Norway. We take this very seriously, and are now implementing measures to counter Russian intelligence activities in our country. We will not allow Russian intelligence officers to operate under diplomatic cover in Norway."

The statement released by Norwegian authorities on Thursday (13 April) adds that the 15 Russian diplomats' activities had been monitored over time, and that "there is an increasing Russian intelligence threat to Norway as a result of the deteriorating security situation."

"It is against this backdrop that we have decided to take this action now," Norwegian authorities added.

The expulsion of 15 diplomats comes after a decision in April 2022 to expel three Russian intelligence officers from Norway.

source: commonspace.eu with Norwegian Government
photo: ITVX

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