A SHOCKED Norwegian journalist who trained in Bournemouth has told of her country’s grief in the wake of the twin attacks in Norway at the weekend.
Hildegunn Soldal, technology and development editor at national Norwegian newspaper Dagbladet, studied multi-media journalism at Bournemouth University back in 2001.
She said the impact of the attacks, in which an estimated 76 people were killed, was just starting to sink in.
Anders Behring Breivik, 32, who is said to be linked to far-right groups, has been accused of carrying out both attacks – the bombing of the capital Oslo and then the massacre of scores of teenagers on an island youth camp in a shooting rampage.
Ms Soldal, 32, who was in London on July 7, 2005, when terrorists killed 52 people and in Oslo on Friday, where the bomber first struck, told how people were hoping Breivik’s first appearance at court yesterday would explain his motivation for committing the atrocities.
“It’s absolutely horrible,” Miss Soldal explained. “The more details that emerge, the more devastating it becomes.
“The youngsters trapped on the island were from all over the country, not just Oslo.
“Norway is a small country and most people know someone or someone that knows someone who was caught up in the tragedy.
“Processions are being organised all over the country to show sympathy and solidarity. The Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg has talked to the nation about how important it is we keep an open, democratic society and show that the bombing and shooting won’t break Norway.”
A minute’s silence was held at midday in Norway yesterday to remember the victims of the attacks.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here