Norwegian Terrorist Anders Breivik Gives Nazi Salute As Parole Hearing Begins
He has spent 10 years behind bars after killing 77 people
Norwegian mass killer Anders Breivik gave a Nazi salute as he entered court for a parole hearing today (Tuesday 18 January).
The far-right terrorist has spent a decade behind bars after killing 77 people in a gun and bomb massacre.
He has shown no remorse since the attack and as he entered court he held aloft a sign, which read: "Stop your genocide!!! Against our white nations!!!"
On July 22 2011, after months of meticulous preparations, Breivik set off a car bomb outside the government headquarters in Oslo, killing eight people and wounding dozens more.
He then drove to the island of Utoya, where he opened fire on the annual summer camp of the left-wing Labour Party's youth wing.
Sixty-nine people there were killed, most of them teenagers, before Breivik surrendered to police.
In 2012 he was handed the maximum 21-year sentence with a clause – rarely used in the Norwegian justice system – that he can be held indefinitely if he is still considered a danger to society.
It is this clause that means he can demand a parole hearing after 10 years.
The hearing is due to last three days, but the verdict may not be announced for several weeks.
Randi Rosenqvist, the psychologist who has assessed Breivik since he was jailed, said: "I can say that I do not detect great changes in Breivik's functioning.
"In principle and practice someone seeking parole would have to show remorse, and to show that they understand why such acts cannot be repeated."
In 2016, during his human rights case, Breivik also gave a Nazi salute.
The 42-year-old sued the government, saying his isolation from other prisoners, frequent strip searches and the fact that he was often handcuffed during the early part of his incarceration violated his human rights.
He made a Nazi salute toward journalists during the case which he initially won, but was overturned by higher courts in 2017.
It is feared giving him a platform again could inspire similar atrocities.
Lisbeth Kristine Royneland, who heads a family and survivors support group, said: "I think he is doing this as a way of getting attention.
"The only thing I am afraid of is if he has the opportunity to talk freely and convey his extreme views to people who have the same mindset."
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: World News, Crime
Jake Massey