OSLO, NORWAY: Anders Behring Breivik, the far-right fanatic responsible for the 2011 bombing and shooting rampage in Norway that claimed 77 lives, is set to argue in court for an end to his isolation in prison, claiming it violates his human rights. Breivik, who also filed a lawsuit against the state seeking to lift restrictions on his correspondence with the outside world, will make his case on Monday.
Breivik’s actions, which included the killing of eight people with a car bomb in Oslo followed by the gunning down of 69 others, most of them teenagers, at a Labour Party youth camp, shook Norway to its core. In the aftermath of his attacks, the country has been faced with a challenging test as it grapples with the horror of his acts while maintaining its commitment to the rehabilitation efforts of its justice system.
Currently, Breivik spends his time in a section of Ringerike high-security prison, located 70km northwest of Oslo. His living quarters include a training room, kitchen, TV room, and bathroom, and he is allowed to keep three budgerigars as pets. However, according to his lawyer, more than a decade in isolation “without meaningful interaction” has taken a significant toll on Breivik’s mental wellbeing, to the point where he is now dependent on antidepressants.
On the other hand, the lawyers representing the justice ministry argue that Breivik must be kept away from the rest of the prison population due to the ongoing security threat he poses. They believe that allowing him more contact with the outside world could lead to him inspiring others to commit violent acts, particularly within far-right circles.
Breivik’s 21-year sentence, the longest a Norwegian court can impose, can be extended as long as he is deemed a threat to society. Despite an initial victory in a lawsuit against the state in 2016, claiming a breach of the European Convention on Human Rights, the restrictions on his isolation were later upheld on appeal. The judge’s verdict on his current case is expected in the coming weeks.
In conclusion, the case of Anders Behring Breivik presents a complicated and challenging situation for Norway as it balances the rights of the convicted criminal with the need for security and rehabilitation within its justice system.