Iranian Medical Student’s Threats & Hospital Job Raise Concerns in Norway

Lærdal, Norway – A former medical student at Lærdal Hospital in Norway is facing scrutiny following reports he used social media to threaten opponents of the Iranian regime, and allegedly practiced medicine without a valid license. The case has prompted concern from Norway’s Health Director, who emphasized the importance of trust between patients and healthcare professionals.

The individual, a 34-year-old Iranian national, posted several videos on TikTok containing what authorities describe as threatening remarks directed at individuals living in Sweden who are critical of the Iranian government. In one video, reportedly filmed within Lærdal Hospital, he names a woman residing in Sweden and makes a disturbing statement regarding her personal medical history. “I recognize about all your abortions,” he says in the video, as reported by NRK. “Don’t endeavor to spread lies for a few scraps of food from the enemy, it will only lead to you losing all honor. Today is Sunday, January 4th. Shape up, or I will force you to.”

Cathrine Lofthus, Norway’s Health Director, expressed her concern over the situation. “This case touches me deeply, as a doctor,” she stated. “This proves vitally important that patients can have confidence in doctors and healthcare personnel. A core part of medical ethics is that there should be a safe and trusting relationship between patients and doctors. When we see doctors behaving in a threatening manner, it erodes that trust.” Lofthus also indicated that the videos suggest a potential misuse of patient information, a serious breach of confidentiality.

The former student has denied any wrongdoing, claiming the videos were intended as political statements and not literal threats. But, the allegations have raised questions about the vetting process at Lærdal Hospital and the oversight of foreign medical trainees.

Licensing and Oversight Concerns

According to NRK’s investigation, the student had a valid license to work as a medical student in Norway in 2024. However, that license expired on July 1, 2024. Despite this, he was contracted to work at Lærdal Hospital beginning January 19, 2026, with the contract incorrectly stating he possessed a valid license. Hospital officials discovered the discrepancy on February 9, 2026.

Helse Førde, the regional health authority overseeing Lærdal Hospital, acknowledged a failure to properly verify the student’s credentials, a violation of established guidelines. Asle Kjørlaug, the Fagdirektør (Director of Health) at Helse Førde, has apologized for the oversight and has notified Norway’s national security authorities.

Lofthus criticized Helse Førde’s lack of due diligence. “We rely on this verification being done,” she said. “All organizations providing healthcare services have a duty of care. Part of that duty means that healthcare professionals working as doctors and nurses must have valid authorization or a license. It is serious that Helse Førde did not do that job, because patients should be confident that when they travel to a doctor, it is actually a doctor they are seeing.”

Social Media Activity and Political Affiliations

The individual has been active on social media for several years, consistently posting content supportive of the current Iranian regime. He frequently shares videos containing potentially threatening statements directed at those opposing the government in Tehran. He identifies himself on social media as a surgeon and oncologist, despite not holding the necessary certifications or licenses to practice medicine in Norway.

One image circulating on social media shows the former student posing with the symbol of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), a powerful military organization. The symbol depicted is an AK-47 assault rifle.

The student has applied for full medical authorization in Norway, and his application is currently under review by the Helsedirektoratet. Lofthus emphasized that he is currently prohibited from practicing medicine in Norway due to his lack of valid credentials. “He does not have any valid authorization and cannot practice as a doctor in Norway,” she stated. “And since his application to extend his license as a medical student was also rejected, he cannot function as a medical student with a license either.”

Student’s Response

In a written statement to NRK, the former student reiterated that he never performed medical work in Norway without proper authorization and that he did not access or misuse patient information. He claims his time at Lærdal Hospital was solely as an observer while his application for authorization was being processed. He maintains that his social media posts are political expressions and not intended as genuine threats, and are unrelated to his medical work or access to patient data.

He also stated he is not afraid of criticism or campaigns against him, and that he stands by his views and will continue to defend his homeland and fellow citizens.

The case raises broader questions about the vetting of foreign medical professionals and the potential for political extremism to infiltrate the healthcare system. Norwegian authorities are now reviewing procedures to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.