The Norwegian Police Security Service (PST) has made the decision to dismiss a criminal case that had been ongoing for over ten years against Anders Dale, who had been suspected of involvement with al-Qaeda. The case was closed based on the current state of evidence, as reported by NRK. Since 2013, Dale had been under continuous investigation following suspicions of his participation in a terrorist organization known as AQAP, which is recognized as a segment of the al-Qaeda network and was formed through the merger of Saudi and Yemeni branches in 2009.

Dale was placed on an international wanted list in 2014 and had been noted by U.S. authorities as a global terrorist. However, his defense attorney, Patrick Lundevall-Unger, has contested the government's actions, stating firmly that Dale has never been a terrorist. Lundevall-Unger expressed strong disapproval that it took such a long time—over a decade—for the case to be dismissed, indicating a potential lapse in justice or efficacy in the investigative process regarding the allegations against Dale.

The closure of this case raises significant questions about the handling of terrorism-related investigations in Norway and their implications for civil rights and the presumption of innocence. It also reflects broader concerns regarding the long duration of such investigations and their impact on individuals who are never formally charged yet face suspicion for years. As the situation develops, it could influence public perception of the PST and its protocols in national security cases, especially those involving international terrorism.