Thirteen Fosen activists ordered back to court following appeal in Norway

Eighteen activists from the Fosen movement appeared in court in March, refusing to pay fines linked to their occupation of the Ministry of Energy and the blockade of the Ministry of Finance and Keysers gate 6. On April 9, all activists were acquitted in the district court, but the prosecution appealed the decision to the court of appeal. A unanimous ruling by the court of appeal on August 22 has now determined that 13 Fosen activists must return to court.

Mihkkal Hætta, one of the activists, expressed frustration, saying, “We thought we were done with this case, but it won’t let go of us.” He emphasized the emotional toll of reliving the past year’s events.

In the court of appeal’s decision, there were indications that factors in the case warranted further legal proceedings. Hætta asserted, “We believe we have done nothing wrong, that we are fighting for our human rights. Being punished for this seems absurd.” He also noted that he had protested for five weeks in a tent outside the Parliament building.

If they lose in the court of appeal, the activists are considering an appeal to the Supreme Court, as this case holds significant interest in the Norwegian judicial system. The timing of the next court hearing has yet to be decided.

Ella Marie Hætta Isaksen shared her disappointment over the need to spend more time in legal battles, expressing a desire to focus on their advocacy for the protection of reindeer grazing areas. Despite their discontent, she remains determined, stating they will enter the court with dignity and strength.

Fellow activist Ida Helene Benonisen mentioned the possibility of pausing her studies in Northern Sámi language to face her charges, emphasizing the emotional and personal impacts of the legal proceedings. She believes the government should redirect its resources away from prosecuting them.