Unlike other Scandinavian countries, Norway has not had a specific ban on stalking thus making cases very difficult to prosecute. 

 

“Now we have it finalized. It’s a great day for those who have been subjected to stalking,” Justice Minister Anders Anundsen told Dagbladet. 

 

The change to the penal code entails including a section specifically stating that “one who repeatedly threatens, follows, observes [or] contacts” an individual can be punished by up to four years in prison. 

 

“This provision affects the most serious form of stalking, which can hamper an individual’s freedom of movement and be extremely troublesome,” Anundsen said. 

 

Conservative spokesman Hårek Elvenes told NTB in March that when the new law takes effect it will be “possible to prevent, investigate and prosecute stalking more effectively”.