– Do we have a glorification of criminals in Norway?
Criticism has hailed TV 2 after it became known that the main man behind the Nokas robbery in Stavanger will be a guest in the chess studio.
Police officer Erik Håland in the West police district was himself shot by the Nokas robbers, and tells TV 2 that it is all distasteful.
However, Håland agrees that Toska deserves to have an equal chance as everyone else, since he has served his sentence and made up for it.
– Yes, he must get it, but is this on an equal footing with everyone else? I do not see it. I treat him to a return to society. Society has benefited from the fact that he no longer commits crime.
He points out that the link here is on Toska is a celebrity, and that he will be a chess expert on TV 2.
– It is distasteful because his celebrity status is due to serious criminal acts. What is the background for that? Do we have a glorification of criminals in Norway? Where is the limit and which penalties are serious enough that the media does not think this is okay?
Toska debate: – I thought it was a joke!
– Can inspire
Sports editor Vegard Jansen Hagen in TV 2 says that it makes an impression to hear Håland’s views.
– There have been a number of reactions today. It must be acknowledged, and one must have deep respect for the fact that many are affected. Then Håland has his view on the case, and then there are other affected people who have their view on the case.
Jansen Hagen understands well that the first presentation of Toska being TV 2’s chess expert, which led to him being awarded a TV contract, is distasteful.
He says that Toska gets the opportunity because he has a story to tell.
– He has a chess passion and interest in chess. In the broadcasts, it has always been the case that there are heavy experts and those with a history. What the chess community has meant to Toska is a story that is important to hear and can inspire.
– This is attractive
Commentator Leif Welhaven in VG wonders where the limit for what you can make a TV goes.
– Toska is known for one thing, and that is that he is the main man behind the most brutal robbery in Norwegian history. Why should he become a chess expert? Is it his chess skills or his story?
It is a question Welhaven says he has not received an answer.
– What we must keep in mind is that this is attractive. There are many who could wish for a similar role in the studio.
Jansen Hagen says that Welhaven is talking about something central, and that is the reason why TV 2 has spent a long time on the decision.
– For almost a year we have discussed this, even though the feedback from the relatives was positive in the beginning.
Commentator on Toska: – Where does the border go?
TV position triggered by background
Jansen Hagen says that this is an important debate.
– It is about the degree to which we want to see convicts come back and do what they want in society. Toska wants to convey something positive about chess. Is it right to turn him away and not show what the chess community has meant to ham?
Welhaven agrees on the question that everyone deserves a second chance, and believes Toska has got this with work and family.
– This is about you gaining a competitive advantage on TV after becoming a serious criminal.
He points out that it is good that relatives have been positive, but that one does not know the extent of how many are traumatized today.
– You do not think that a man like Toska can be a role model for other convicts who are to be rehabilitated?
– I think it’s nice that he got a normal and ordinary life. But I have difficulty imagining that he gets a TV position that is triggered by the background he has, Welhaven says.