Anders Behring Breivik, a neo-Nazi killer who sought parole just 13 years after his twin attacks claimed the lives of 77 individuals, will remain in prison, even though the court acknowledged there have been positive changes.
On Wednesday, a Norwegian court denied parole for the 45-year-old right-wing extremist Anders Behring Breivik, and his attorney mentioned that the outcome was expected.
Oystein Storrvik, the lawyer, stated that the refusal to grant Breivik conditional liberty was not surprising, despite the court’s recognition of ‘positive developments’ in his client.
On July 22, 2011, Breivik set off a truck bomb near government offices in Oslo, killing eight people, before heading to the island of Utoya.
There, disguised as a police officer, he shot dead 69 people, mostly teens, attending a Labour Party youth-wing summer camp.
He said he had killed his victims because they embraced multiculturalism.
Breivik was sentenced in 2012 to 21 years in prison, which at the time was Norway’s harshest sentence.
But the sentence can be extended as long as he is considered a threat to society.
Anders Behring Breivik, 45, was denied parole after killing 77 people in twin attacks in 2011. Pictured: Breivik and attorney Marte Lindholm attend a court hearing at Ringerike prison, in Tyristrand, Norway, on January 8, 2024
What the police believe is gunman Anders Behring Breivik walking with a gun in hand among bodies on Utoya island. Disguised as a police officer Breivik went on a 90 minute killing spree where he slaughtered dozens of people including children as young as 14
Breivik was sentenced to 21 years in jail, the harshest penalty possible under Norwegian law, for killing 77 people in a bomb and gun attack in July 2011. Pictured: The victims of the attack
Breivik asked for parole for the second time on November 19 where he vowed to be a ‘tremendous help to the Norwegian state’ if his request was to be granted.
Under Norwegian law, the extremist is allowed to seek conditional early release once a year after having served 10 years of his sentence.
His first parole request in January 2022 was denied, with the court concluding there was a ‘clear risk’ he would resume the behaviour that led to the July 22 2011 attacks.
His lawyer also told reporters his request this time was ‘not so probable.’
Breivik, who has used his previous court appearances to express extremist views, appeared last month wearing a black suit and tie and carrying a sign with several political messages.
In a brief statement to reporters before proceedings got underway, Breivik said: ‘If I am given an exit opportunity in the future, I will be a tremendous help to the Norwegian state, and that’s something I take very seriously.’
‘Alternatively, I can keep my mouth shut for the rest of my life. But that’s up to the judge.’
Asked by a reporter whether he regretted his 2011 actions, Breivik replied: ‘I will talk about that in my explanation.’
Breivik in the courtroom in 2012. He was sentenced that year to 21 years in prison and this can be extended as long as he is considered a threat to society
Breivik, who has used his previous court appearances to express extremist views, appeared in court last month wearing a black suit and tie and carrying a sign with several political messages
Breivik’s lawyer Oystein Storrvik (right) speaks during the third day of Anders Behring Breivik (centre) parole petition hearing in the Ringerike, Asker and Barum District Court’s, in a gymnasium in Ringerike prison, Tyristrand, Norway, on November 21, 2024
Storrvik said: ‘We want the court to consider his progression, he has a right to… develop and have better living conditions so he can have some kind of future.’
In February 2024, Breivik lost a lawsuit brought against the Norwegian state in which he argued that his extended isolation was a violation of the European Convention on Human Rights, which prohibits ‘inhumane’ and ‘degrading’ treatment.
The state argued that his strict, yet comfortable, conditions were justified due to the ‘extreme risk of totally unbridled violence’.
Storrvik said external psychologists had conducted a comprehensive evaluation of Breivik for the first time in 12 years, and would present their 109-page report to the court.
The lawyer declined to disclose its conclusions but said: ‘I think it can be useful for us.’
Prosecutor Hulda Olsen Karlsdottir told news agency NTB the report had not changed her mind.
‘The new evaluation has not changed the prosecution’s view on the issue of his release,’ she said.
During court hearings earlier this year, Breivik claimed he was depressed and addicted to Prozac, at times breaking down in sobs.
