Did not want Russians in the hotel

Prosecutor Elin Norgård Strand in Troms police district confirms to TV 2 that the hotel chain Enter in Tromsø has been reported to the police for discrimination.

It happens after entrepreneur Idar Gabrielsen went out earlier in March and said that they did not want Russians in the hotel because of the war in Ukraine.

– We feel that it is our way of saying that it is not okay, what is happening, Gabrielsen told TV 2 at the time.

More reviews

The prosecutor cannot say how many reviews they have received, but says that there are several.

– The reviews come from private individuals who have caught it either in the media, or in other ways, and submitted a review, Strand says.

The case will now be investigated in accordance with the Penal Code’s section on discrimination. The penalty is a fine or imprisonment for up to six months. The decision will be made in a short time, she states.

Rest assured that they are within the law

Gabrielsen confirms to TV 2 on Wednesday morning that there are two private individuals who have reported Enter Tromsø Hotels & Apartments.

– And there is no indication that they have any legal expertise. We welcome the Troms police district’s handling of the case, and are confident that we are well within the law, says Gabrielsen.

Gabrielsen says their intention was to create such a safe and worry-free settlement for the refugees.

– We have dozens of Ukrainian refugees living with us. They may have gone through incredible scary experiences. When the objective purpose is to provide free shelter to Ukrainian refugees, then it is natural that you do not want those you are fleeing from welcome, he says.

He believes it is a misconception that Russian guests are not allowed to stay in their hotels.

– We have never refused anyone to stay in our hotels. That Russians or others feel that these are discriminatory measures was not our intention, and is regrettable. Our intention was to help where we could help, to provide shelter for refugees in our hotels, he says.

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