Witness History Oslo's anti-racism demonstration
Mar 18, 2026
Luciana Parvaneh Zehi, childhood friend of Benjamin Hermansen, gives a vivid first-person account of his life and the murder. She recounts local neo-Nazi threats in Holmlia. She describes the shock of the attack, the discovery of Nazi memorabilia, and the torch-lit mass mobilisation of tens of thousands in Oslo. She reflects on political reactions, legal outcomes, and the long-lasting personal and social impact.
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Friendship Cut Short By A Racially Motivated Murder
- Luciana Parvaneh Zehi describes her close friendship with 15-year-old Benjamin Hermansen and her shock when he was killed on 26 January 2001.
- She recounts getting a phone call that 'Benjamin is dead', walking outside for hours in disbelief, and carrying deep grief and love for him every day.
Murder Exposed Norway's Racial Violence Reality
- Benjamin's murder was widely reported as Norway's first clear race-motivated killing and triggered national shock and mobilisation.
- The killing exposed the presence of organised neo-Nazi groups in Oslo and became a watershed moment prompting public scrutiny and action.
Torch-Lit March United Oslo Against Racism
- Tens of thousands of people gathered in Oslo on 1 February 2001 for a torch-lit anti-racism march from Youngstorget to Universitetsgata.
- Luciana recalls banners reading 'no Nazis in our streets', the march's unity, and people showing solidarity even if they didn't know Benjamin.