Two weeks after the terror tribute from Professor Bassam Hussein at NTNU, it is clear that what many regard as glorification of the 7 October terror in Israel will not have consequences for the professor’s position at the University of Trondheim. “With the knowledge we so far have about the matter, labour-law sanctions are not being considered. The statement has been reported to the police, and it is now up to the judicial system to assess whether it violates Norwegian law,” Rector Tor Grande tells Document.

Document was the first media outlet to reveal that an Arab professor at NTNU believes that the terrorist attack against Israel on 7 October 2023 is the “most beautiful thing that has happened in our century”. That was two weeks ago, and there have since been loud discussions and much distancing. But not from the leadership at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Trondheim, where Bassam Hussein is employed as a professor. That is to say: The leadership distances itself from violence and terror, but without Hussein’s statements therefore having consequences for his position.

Hussein’s position remains unchanged

Document asked Rector Tor Grande whether Professor Bassam Hussein’s positions at NTNU remain unchanged, including his status as a distinguished educator, now that his statements about the worst terrorist attack in Israel’s history have both been illuminated and discussed in countless forums. The employment and positions remain unchanged, so far, says the Rector.

What Hussein said clearly conflicts with the university’s official position. I have consistently referred to the university board’s unequivocal condemnation of the horrific terrorist act that was committed on 7 October 2023, replies Tor Grande in an e-mail. And further:

There must be no doubt about NTNU’s position in this matter. NTNU generally takes a clear stance against violence and abuses against civilians in war, regardless of who is affected.
General freedom of expression stands strong in Norway, and it gives Hussein, like other members of society, the freedom to express his opinions, so long as they are within the framework of Norwegian law.
With the knowledge we so far have about the matter, labour-law sanctions are not being considered. The statement has been reported to the police, and it is now up to the judicial system to assess whether it violates Norwegian law, Grande writes in an e-mail.

The reply from the Rector was conveyed via Kristin Gjærevoll, Senior Communications Adviser at NTNU.

Rector Grande also referred to freedom of expression when Document in February revealed that NTNU professor Bassam Hussein played a central role in a tribute to the now dead Hamas terrorist Yahya Sinwar, the architect behind the 7 October terror attack, in the open street in central Trondheim.

Norwegian university professor praises terrorist — Rector says it’s fine

Hussein is an honorary member of Studentersamfundet

Professor Bassam Hussein has also been elected an honorary member of Studentersamfundet in Trondheim, an honour awarded on 17 May 2025. On that occasion, Hussein wrote on LinkedIn, while sharing photographs from the event:

“Many thanks to Studentersamfundet i Trondhjem for the honourable award of honorary membership during the 17 May celebration. I am deeply grateful and sincerely moved by this recognition for my commitment to Gaza. It is with both pride and humility that I receive this distinction – for me, this is the most meaningful and significant honour I have ever received.”

Bassam Hussein became an honorary member of Studentersamfundet in Trondheim in 2025, and has shared photographs from the award ceremony, which took place during the 17 May celebration at Samfundet. Photo: LinkedIn.

Has not decided

Document has asked the leadership of Studentersamfundet whether the honorary membership remains in force after the revelation that the honorary member in question, in the view of many, has glorified terror.

On 5 May we received the reply:

“Samfundet has, as of now, not taken a position on whether Bassam Hussein’s honorary membership should be revoked,” replied Birk C. Aschjem, leader of Studentersamfundet in Trondheim.

When asked whether the decision would be made shortly:

“We have not decided that yet, but a discussion will take place,” replied Birk C. Aschjem on 6 May.

Document informed them that we would very much like to know the result, but so far we have heard nothing further. Nor after a reminder on 15 May. But if we receive a reply, we can update.