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An Eritrean gathering in Kristiansand in southern Norway was broken up by the police on Saturday afternoon after the situation turned violent.
– Due to danger to safety and life and health, the police together with the organizer have agreed that the event should end and that the party venue be evacuated, says head of office Vidar Arnesen in the Agder police district.
The violence began at 5 p.m. when a large number of people came to the venue and tried to stop the gathering. Between 50 and 100 people were inside the premises.
Before Saturday’s event, the police had tips that there could be a fight, which happened at similar events elsewhere in Norway – as well as in several other countries, including Sweden. The background is an ongoing conflict between regime-critical Eritreans who live in other countries and what they consider to be regime-friendly associations in the same countries.
– It is a serious incident and it is still under investigation. Over 200 people have stood outside the venue and tried to stop the party. The police have no overview of whether there are injured people, continues Arnesen.
The police also confirm that they used tear gas to gain control of the situation.