Norway killer Breivik charged with ’worst crime in modern times’ under terror laws

Breivik is expected to be prosecuted for “performing an act of terrorism
in the form of murder, with the intention of destabilising the basic
functions of society,” a crime which carries a 21-year prison sentence,
the maximum possible under Norwegian law.

The details of the indictment will be made public in a press conference,
starting at midday Norwegian time.

The prosecution is expected to proceed on the assumption that Breivik is
criminally insane, when the trial begins on April 16 trial, arguing for him
to be committed to compulsory mental care.

Breivik has confessed to carrying out the attacks, claiming in a manifesto
released on the day that they were “atrocious” but “necessary”
to wake Norwegian
society up to the threat posed by Islam.

In a court hearing in February, Breivik raised his arm in a right-wing salute,
demanding a medal for his “preventive attack against state traitors.”

Breivik is currently undergoing a second psychiatric assessment, after an
initial study, which concluded that he was a paranoid schizophrenic, was
challenged by lawyers representing some of the victims’ families.

The second assessment is due to be published on April 10, less than a week
before the trial begins.

Forensic psychiatrists, Torgeir Husby and Synne Soerheim, reported in November
that Breivik had acted under “grandiose delusions whereby he believes
he is to determine who is to live and who is to die,” basing their
judgment on 36 hours of interviews.

The Norwegian state prosecutor on Friday stressed that the prosecution reserve
the right to seek a prison sentence, based on the second psychiatric
assessment, or on other evidence that comes to light during the trial.

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