OSLO, Norway – Anders Behring Breivik, the far-right fanatic responsible for Norway’s worst peacetime atrocity, is suing the country to end his years of isolation in prison. In 2011, Breivik killed 77 people, most of them being teenagers, in a car bombing in Oslo and a shooting spree at a Labour Party youth camp.
His lawyer argues that the isolation has left Breivik suicidal and dependent on anti-depression medication. According to the lawyer, Breivik has been isolated for about 12 years and has no contact with other inmates.
The 44-year-old spends his time in a dedicated section of Ringerike prison, with access to a kitchen, TV room, and bathroom. He is also allowed to keep three budgerigars as pets. However, the justice ministry’s lawyers argue that Breivik must be kept in isolation due to the continuing security threat he poses.
Breivik’s sentence can be extended for as long as he is deemed a threat. The judge’s verdict, as there is no jury, will be issued in the coming weeks.
Breivik was cited as an inspiration by Brenton Tarrant, who carried out a mass shooting in New Zealand in 2019. Lawyers for the justice ministry argue that control over Breivik’s contacts with the outside world is justified by the risk that he will inspire others to commit violent acts. They also argue that his isolation is “relative,” given his contacts with guards, a priest, health professionals, and an outside volunteer.
The case continues to raise questions about the balance between an individual’s rights and the responsibility to protect society from potential threats. Regardless of the outcome of this lawsuit, the impact of Breivik’s actions on both the victims and society as a whole will continue to be felt for years to come.