Breivik seeks parole 13 years after July 22nd attacks in Norway

The case is being updated. On the second day of proceedings, once again, Anders Behring Breivik appeared before the press, holding a sign against his chest. He made a hand gesture commonly associated with various far-right extremists, including the attacker Brenton Tarrant.

Breivik is seeking parole, 13 years after the July 22nd attacks. The 45-year-old is serving a 21-year sentence under a regime of preventive detention, with a minimum term of 10 years. This raises the question of whether he has changed enough to warrant consideration for release. Two forensic psychiatrists are tasked with this assessment.

On Wednesday, they are set to present a report exceeding 100 pages, which marks the first comprehensive evaluation of him since 2012. Psychologist Kåre Nonstad begins by stating there are no signs of schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders. Instead, he describes Breivik’s worldview as extremely right-wing, which Breivik himself has metaphorically referred to as a crutch to keep him afloat.

Prosecutor Hulda Olsen Karlsdottir contends that the report aligns with the conclusions reached in 2012: Breivik is not mentally ill, but he does exhibit severe personality disorders, with a combination of these disorders and fanaticism being a catalyst for his acts of terror. The report serves as key evidence for the prosecution.

In contrast, Breivik’s attorney Øystein Storrvik argues that his client is seriously unwell and requires improved prison conditions, emphasizing the need for a focus on his well-being.

Olsen Karlsdottir asserts that the report does not provide any new insights regarding Breivik’s danger level, while Storrvik insists it highlights Breivik’s mental health struggles, warranting better living conditions in prison.

This marks Breivik’s second request for parole; his first was outright rejected. The prosecutor suggested that he uses the trial as a platform, citing a letter where he referred to the proceedings as the “Breivik show.” Breivik acknowledged that both elements are at play for him.

In his testimony, Breivik claimed to represent a far-right group. The prosecutor emphasized the ongoing perception of Breivik as a dangerous individual, noting the difficulty for him to speak solely for himself rather than on behalf of a larger ideology.