Anders Behring Breivik, the Norwegian mass murderer responsible for the country’s worst peace crisis, will appear in court on Tuesday to plead for his release from prison after spending more than 13 years behind bars crops.
The anti-Muslim neo-Nazi killed 77 people in Norway in July 2011. He killed eight with a car bomb in Oslo and then shot 69 people, most of them teenagers, at a Workers’ Party youth camp on the island of Utöya.
Breivik seeks release again
It will be Breivik’s second attempt at parole. He is serving a 21-year prison term, which was the maximum sentence at the time of his crimes and can be extended as long as he is considered a threat to society. Breivik is eligible for parole after serving the first ten years of his sentence.
His first attempt to be released in 2022 was unsuccessful. At that hearing, Breivik insisted he had left violence behind but not renounced his neo-Nazi sympathies, saying he would continue his fight for white supremacy through peaceful means .
The latest parole application is being heard at the maximum security prison where he is being held, located on the shores of Lake Tyrifjorden, where Utöya is also located. The court will be set up in the prison gymnasium. Breivik will testify from 1300 CET.
Separately, Breivik tried to sue the Norwegian state to improve his prison conditions, saying that solitary confinement violates his human rights. His last attempt to change the conditions of his detention was rejected in January. Breivik’s appeal is scheduled to be heard in December.
(What: APA)
What measures can societies implement to prevent the rise of extremist ideologies following high-profile cases like Anders Behring Breivik’s?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Dr. Elin Sørensen, Expert on Extremism and Societal Impact
Time.news Editor: Good afternoon, Dr. Sørensen. Thank you for joining us today to discuss a rather somber topic. Anders Behring Breivik is set to appear in court next Tuesday to plead for his release after over 13 years in prison for his heinous crimes. How does this plea intersect with the ongoing discussions about justice and rehabilitation for extremists?
Dr. Elin Sørensen: Good afternoon, and thank you for having me. Breivik’s case is indeed pivotal in understanding the balance between justice and societal safety. His request for release raises critical questions about whether individuals like him can be rehabilitated and how society should respond to such an egregious violation of life and peace.
Time.news Editor: Given that Breivik killed 77 innocent people, including many teenagers, what kind of societal impact does a figure like him have even after his imprisonment?
Dr. Sørensen: The impact is profound and multifaceted. Breivik’s actions were not only a horrific crime but also a statement motivated by his anti-Muslim, neo-Nazi ideology. The reverberations of his attack are felt deeply in Norway and beyond. His case serves as a grim remind of the dangers of radical extremism and hate, and discussions surrounding his release could potentially reignite nationalist sentiments or inspire sympathizers to further acts of violence.
Time.news Editor: It’s alarming to think about the potential implications of his release. How do you think the public and the victims’ families will respond to his court appearance?
Dr. Sørensen: The reactions are likely to be deeply polarized. Many will feel anger and anxiety at the thought of him being released, especially family members of the victims who endured the trauma of his actions. Others may argue about the principles of rehabilitation and personal freedom. It brings to the fore the question of whether our justice system prioritizes punitive measures or if it can effectively rehabilitate someone with such extreme beliefs.
Time.news Editor: Breivik’s planned speech to the court will also be closely watched. What can we anticipate in terms of his rhetoric?
Dr. Sørensen: Breivik has a history of leveraging his platform to spread his ideology, and there’s a concern that he may attempt to manipulate the court and public opinion. His narrative often appeals to a victim mentality, positioning himself as persecuted for his beliefs rather than acknowledging the consequences of his actions. It will be essential for the court to approach this with extreme caution, ensuring that any platform provided does not inadvertently validate his extremist views.
Time.news Editor: It seems that his case is a critical reminder of the complexities within our societal fabric. How can we better address and mitigate the risks of such extremist ideologies flourishing in the future?
Dr. Sørensen: Education and community engagement are key. Combating extremism requires addressing the root causes that lead individuals to radicalization—be it social isolation, economic disparity, or the appeal of divisive ideologies online. We need to foster inclusive dialogue and promote understanding among diverse groups to dismantle hate. Furthermore, the legal system must remain vigilant, ensuring that individuals like Breivik are monitored closely post-release, should that occur.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Sørensen. Your insights shed light on the larger implications of Breivik’s potential release and the need for ongoing vigilance against extremism. We appreciate your time today.
Dr. Sørensen: Thank you for having me. It’s a conversation that needs to continue as we strive to create a safer, more inclusive society.