Ulrik Imtiaz Rolfsen: – I make films about undemocratic forces, and then I even … – Dagbladet.no

(Dagbladet): – I’m making a documentary about how Norway tackling undemocratic forces, and then I even treated the way, says Ulrik Imtiaz Rolfsen (43) to Dagbladet.

The award-winning filmmaker from Oslo got yesterday interrupted football match between Norway and Sweden when three officials from PST turned up at his home west of Oslo. With him they had orders from the public prosecutor to seize material from the documentary he makes about Ubaydullah Hussain and Islamist groups in Norway.

– I’m not surprised that PST is interested in my project, but I had not expecting any raid. There are strong cost when the troops up to full warrant says Rolfsen.

Trial

PST peoples through increased both home and car to 43-year-old, who ia is known for the films “Izzat” (2005) and “The Last Joint Venture” (2008).

– I had to copy material for them. They took a full part, says Rolfsen.

The raid took place the day before the two appeal cases against Ubaydullah Hussain started in Court of Appeal, the same day as a Norwegian 18-year-old was arrested in Gothenburg, sifted to have planned to travel to Syria and join the Islamic State (IS). According to VG linked raid in Rolfsen for his arrest in Sweden.

Rolfsen stressed that he in no way is any party in the case complex around Hussain, who in court was convicted for threats against journalists, Jews and a straight expert, and also has hailed terrorists on social media.

– I’m not charged and not an actor, just a witness, says the director.

Soon finished

Documentary project has been underway since January last year, with support from the Freedom of Expression and the Norwegian Film Institute, and Rolfsen says he will have a first version of the film ready over the summer. Currently, no agreements with broadcasting company concluded.

The award-winning director says the documentary seeks to create a wider and larger image of a controversial person and a controversial milljø.

– It’s all about get to know the man behind, and how Norway can handle such as him. But I do not have all the answers, says Rolfsen.

He gets strong support from Kjersti Løken Stavrum, Secretary General of the Norwegian Press Association. Stavrum require PST refrains from reviewing the footage and look raid as a serious assault on freedom of the press and source protection in Norway.

– This is reminiscent of country we possibly will not compare ourselves with. It has a hugely damaging signal effect saying that you no longer can tell something in confidence to the media in Norway, she says to Dagbladet.

– Interference with freedom of expression

Also Stavrum predecessor Per Edgar Bokkvold, Residential Word director Knut Olav Åmås and human researcher Anine Kierulf react.

– fittings, non-published material involves a clear infringement of freedom of expression, says Kierulf Dagbladet.

Rolfsen, who serve Labour Party democracy and media selection, is pleased with the support.

– It is very important to protect the democratic process gases in Norway. I want transparency, and it is a paradox that society looks at it, says Ulrik Imtiaz Rolfsen, referring to PST action against him.