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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Four Norwegians Charged In Art Theft

Compiled From Wire Services

Oslo, Norway Four Norwegians were charged Wednesday in the theft of Edvard Munch’s masterpiece “The Scream,” Norway’s best-known painting.

The men have been suspects since the 1893 painting, estimated to be worth $55 million, was recovered undamaged in May.

Two of the men were charged with grand theft and two with receiving stolen property, crimes punishable by up to six years in prison. All four denied the charges, state television NRK reported.

The painting of a waiflike figure standing, mouth open, on a bridge was stolen from the National Art Museum in Oslo during a 50-second break-in on Feb. 12, opening day of the 1994 Winter Olympics, hosted by Norway.

Two thieves climbed a ladder and broke through a window, leaving a note saying, “Thanks for the poor security.”

At the time, there was a huge police presence at the Olympic Village in Lillehammer, north of Oslo.