Independent journalist Peter Imanuelsen is facing an unprecedented campaign of harassment by the Norwegian police . After he published an article exposing how leaders of a religious sect abused young girls, he came under increasing pressure – to the point of illegal searches of his home by police.

A journalist under fire

It all began when Imanuelsen wrote an article about an influential religious sect that  allegedly abused power and groomed young girls. The police had secretly warned him in advance  and explained that there were “powerful forces at play”.

Despite the warning, the journalist decided to research the matter further. His trusted sources told him of serious incidents, and his own investigations revealed that frightening things were happening within the cult.

“I didn’t let myself be intimidated and published the article anyway.”

But then the attacks began.

Reprisals and intimidation by police and sectarians

After the publication of the article, Imanuelsen was prosecuted – apparently with the support of the sect. His brother found bullets next to his car, and the police began to stop him several times in public for no reason.

“Instead of investigating the sect, the police knocked on my door. Shortly after I announced that I was working on another article about the sect.”

But that’s not all:

• The police forbade  him from contacting any of the sect’s founders, which means that as a journalist he was prohibited from asking journalistic questions – a direct attack on press freedom.
• Imanuelsen and his brother were interrogated – for no apparent reason.
• Later it turned out that the investigating policeman had close ties to the sect.

“First the police warn me about the sect, then I am interrogated by a policeman who is connected to this sect. What’s happening here?”

Illegal police operation: House search without court order

Recently, Norwegian police even tried to break into his home without a court order while he was traveling.

“What they didn’t know was that I had cameras and could document their illegal behavior.”

This escalation shows that this is not just an isolated measure, but a targeted campaign to intimidate him and his family.

Justice as an instrument of oppression?

Thanks to financial support from donations, Imanuelsen was able to challenge the ban on talking to one of the sect’s founders in court – but the court upheld the ban on the grounds that his article was “not serious journalism”.

This happened despite journalistic ethics, trustworthy sources and the anonymization of those involved.

“This is political justice. Now the Norwegian court has basically banned me, as an independent journalist, from practicing my profession.”

Meanwhile, the police continue their harassment – and the mainstream media is silent.

“I would never have thought that something like this would happen in a democracy”

Imanuelsen is exposed to an attack that is more familiar from dictatorships.

“The fact that journalists are harassed by authorities is otherwise known from autocratic regimes. But now it’s happening to me – in the middle of Europe.”

The journalist refers to similar cases, such as the British whistleblower Tommy Robinson, who reported on grooming gangs and is now in solitary confinement.

He believes that powerful circles are trying to keep certain issues under wraps and calls for  the freedom of the press to be defended.

Call for support – “I will fight for the right thing”

Despite the massive attacks, Imanuelsen does not give up. He has called in lawyers to report the illegal police measure.

“Unfortunately, lawyers are expensive. Your support helps me to continue to fight against this injustice.”

He emphasizes that his case is not about him alone, but about a fundamental principle:

• Protecting vulnerable girls from abuse of power
• Defending press freedom in Europe
• Uncovering grievances that would otherwise remain concealed

“I will continue to fight – for the right thing. I won’t be intimidated.”

Translated and edited by Hans Seckler