Ex-security guard at US Embassy in Norway charged with spying for Russia and Iran, motivated by Gaza war

A former security guard at the US Embassy in Norway has been indicted by prosecutors there on suspicion of espionage after he allegedly spied for Russia and Iran, state broadcaster NRK reports.

The Norwegian man, whose name has not been made public, was arrested last November on suspicion of having damaged national security. He is accused of handing over details about the embassy’s diplomats, its floor plans and security routines, among other things, NRK reports.

His defense attorney, Inger Zadig, says her client acknowledges the indictment’s facts but denies any criminal guilt.

“At its core, this case concerns legal interpretation — specifically, whether, and to what extent, the information in question was ‘classified’ under the law, and whether it was capable of harming fundamental national interests,” she writes in an email to The Associated Press. “If not, then sharing the information is not a criminal offense. Our client did not hold a security clearance, and his access to information that could threaten vital national interests was more or less non-existent. These issues will be thoroughly addressed in court.”

The broadcaster reports that America’s ties to Israel and the war in Gaza prompted the man to contact Russia and Iran.

The defendant faces up to 21 years in prison, NRK reports.

The US Embassy and the prosecutor’s office do not respond to AP’s requests for comment.