Hagen called Krekar a terrorist and a guerrilla leader in a TV2 interview in October 2003, and said that he should be arrested and charged in either Norway or the USA.
"A victory for freedom of speech. It is clear that this verdict maintains the lines laid down by the human rights tribunal, that freedom of speech shall be important," Hagen told Norwegian news agency NTB after the ruling.
Krekar has two weeks to pay Hagen's court costs of nearly NOK 200,000. The controversial mullah, who has come under criticism from Islamic leaders for his constant media tussles, sued Hagen for damages and to have the remarks declared null and void.
The Oslo court concluded that mullah Krekar's claim would represent an infringement of freedom of speech in conflict with article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights.
