The Labor Party's leader in the Oslo city council, Rune Gerhardsen, will require Khalid Mahmood explain his role in the violent clash at a mosque

Aftenposten:

With the dimensions this case has taken on, and the many different accusations flying, I will ask Mahmood to give a complete briefing," Gerhardsen told newspaper Dagsavisen.

Gerhardsen would not say if confidence in Mahmood had been shaken, or if he feared the Labor Party's reputation had been blackened by a colleague being accused of having had a violent role in the Oslo mosque's internal conflict.

"Khalid has for many years been a trusted colleague and I want to hear his version. First after he has explained the story behind this and what happened can I have an opinion about it," Gerhardsen said.

Mahmood was not worried that the incident would damage his reputation in the long run.

"The accusations of violence are groundless. I am sure the police investigation will bear this out since there are many witnesses. I hope this doesn't damage the party, because it has absolutely nothing to do with politics," Mahmood said.

Gerhardsen also considers the episode a case solely for the police, and said the incident could have been incorrectly portrayed in the media.

"It looks dramatic, but one mustn't forget that there are often tough conflicts in religious communities, like the dispute around the appointment of the bishop in Oslo last year. With the clear difference that there no one went around hitting with iron bars," Gerhardsen said.

Not all Muslims want to integrate

Oslo Muslims recommend polygamy

Norway Apologizes over Muhammad Cartoons

Appeasing Oslo Strikes at Press, Al-Guardian Strikes at Danes

Battered Westerner Syndrome inflicted by myopic Muslim defenders