Norway’s Justice Minister Tor Mikkel Wara quits after partner Laila Anita Bertheussen is suspected of hoaxing threats and firebombing their own car

Laila Anita Bertheussen had complained that a theatre troupe put her right-wing politician partner at risk by displaying a picture of their house during a play

Swastika graffiti and an arson attack followed – but police believe the incidents were faked by Bertheussen

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Norway's outgoing Justice Minister Tor Mikkel Wara and his partner, Laila Anita Bertheussen. Photos: EPA and Facebook

Published: 4:14am, 29 Mar 2019Updated: 9:21pm, 29 Mar 2019

Norway’s Justice Minister Tor Mikkel Wara resigned on Thursday after his partner was formally suspected of staging attacks against the couple – including the firebombing of their car – to give the impression they were living under threat.

“This has been a difficult affair that I would gladly have done without,” Prime Minister Erna Solberg told a joint press conference.

Police remove items from the house of Norwegian Justice Minister Tor Mikkel Wara in Oslo, Norway, as they investigate an arson attack on his car. Photo: AP

“I am honestly saddened that things have come to this. We will miss his contribution to the government.”

Wara, 53, had taken temporary leave from his position a fortnight ago after it emerged that the Norwegian security service PST was investigating his partner, Laila Anita Bertheussen.

She was formally named a suspect on Thursday.

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