Breivik Files Lawsuit Against Norway in an Attempt to Terminate Prison Solitary Confinement

Anders Behring Breivik, the far-right extremist responsible for the deaths of 77 individuals in a bombing and shooting spree in Norway back in 2011, made an appearance in court at his prison on Monday in an attempt to bring an end to his years in solitary confinement. Breivik, dressed in a black suit, white shirt, and brown tie, entered the hearing at the high-security jail located 70 kilometers (40 miles) northwest of Oslo without speaking or making any gestures.

At the hearing, the 44-year-old remained expressionless as his attorney presented the argument that the conditions of his confinement infringed upon his human rights.

Earlier in court documents, Storrvik claimed that Breivik's solitary confinement had led to suicidal thoughts and reliance on the anti-depression drug Prozac.

Breivik, who distributed a manifesto via email before carrying out his attacks to outline his beliefs, is suing the state and seeking to have restrictions on his communication with the outside world removed.

The perpetrator committed a car bomb attack in Oslo, killing eight people, and then proceeded to shoot 69 others, primarily teenagers, at a Labour Party youth camp, resulting in Norway's deadliest peacetime tragedy. This case has presented a somber challenge for a nation deeply affected by the heinous acts, while also highlighting the country's longstanding commitment to rehabilitation within its justice system.

In Oslo, a memorial stands in remembrance of the victims of the 2011 terror attack orchestrated by Breivik on July 22. The majority of those affected were young individuals attending a Labour Party youth camp on the island of Utoya.

Breivik resides in a specialized section of Ringerike prison, his third place of incarceration. This section features a training room, a kitchen, a TV room, and a bathroom, as seen in recent photos from a visit by news agency NTB.

He is permitted to have three budgerigars as pets that are free to fly around the area, according to NTB. Lawyers from the justice ministry argue that Breivik must be isolated from the rest of the prison population due to the ongoing security threat he presents.

His alleged isolation was deemed "relative" in their court filing, as he maintains regular contact with guards, a priest, health professionals, and, until recently, an outside volunteer whom Breivik no longer wishes to see.

Law enforcement officers work at the scene of a shooting at Perry High School in Perry, Iowa, U.S., January 4, 2024. REUTERS/Scott Morgan

Scott Morgan/Reuters

Visualizing how mass shootings in 2024 compare with past years

He also sees two inmates for an hour every other week, the lawyers said.

The lawyers argue that controlling Breivik's outside contacts is justified by the risk of inspiring others to commit violent acts, particularly with far-right groups and those seeking to establish contact with him because of his terrorist actions on July 22, 2011.

Breivik's actions served as an inspiration for Brenton Tarrant, who carried out a mass shooting, resulting in the deaths of 51 individuals at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand in 2019. Currently, Breivik is serving a 21-year sentence, the maximum penalty allowed by Norwegian law, which may be prolonged based on the determination of his threat to society.

He is imprisoned on the shores of Tyrifjorden lake, where the island of Utoeya, the location of Breivik's shooting rampage, is located.

In 2016, Breivik filed a lawsuit against the state, claiming that it was violating the European Convention on Human Rights, which includes provisions stating that no one should be subjected to "torture or to inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment."

He initially won the case but that was overturned on appeal a year later before any restrictions were lifted.

In the new case, the judges verdict - there is no jury - will be issued in coming weeks.