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Knut Storberget

Knut Storberget: Former Norwegian Minister of Justice and Public Security, and his Political Career

Early Life and Education

Knut Storberget, born in Elverum, Norway, on October 12, 1964, is a former Norwegian politician who served as the Minister of Justice and Public Security from 2005 to 2011. Storberget holds a degree in law from the University of Oslo and began his political career in the late 1980s.

Political Career

Storberget joined the Norwegian Labour Party in 1981 and held various positions within the party, including leader of the Labour Youth from 1992 to 1996. He was elected to the Norwegian Parliament in 1997 and served as a member until 2013.

In 2005, Storberget was appointed Minister of Justice and Public Security in the second cabinet of Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg. During his tenure, he oversaw significant reforms in the Norwegian criminal justice system, including the introduction of a new penal code and the establishment of the Police Security Service.

Key Initiatives as Minister of Justice

Storberget's time as Minister of Justice was marked by several notable initiatives, including:

• Implementing a new penal code that emphasized restorative justice and rehabilitation.
• Establishing the Police Security Service to enhance national security.
• Introducing measures to combat organized crime and drug trafficking.
• Reforming the asylum and immigration system, focusing on humanitarian principles.

Controversy and Resignation

Storberget's tenure as Minister of Justice was not without controversy. In 2011, he was criticized for his handling of the case involving the terrorist attacks in Norway. He was accused of failing to take adequate security measures despite prior warnings. The criticism led to his resignation from the cabinet in March 2011.

Post-Ministerial Career

After leaving the government, Storberget continued to be active in politics and public life. He served as the deputy leader of the Labour Party from 2011 to 2015. In 2016, he was appointed as the director of the Norwegian Police University College, a position he held until 2021.