Wenche Behring Breivik, 66, the mother of Norwegian mass murderer Anders Behring Breivik, died Friday, after a long battle with ill-health. Media sources report that Anders Breivik requested permission to attend his mother's funeral but the latest news is that prison authorities have denied his request.

Tord Jordet, his lawyer had said it was a decision for the prison board to make. Prison authorities have chosen to refuse his request because of safety concerns and as Breivik has only served a brief jail term to date reports Norway Panorama.

Breivik killed 77 people, many who were young, plus injured more than 240 others, when he went on a planned killing spree in Norway, in July 2011. He posted his agenda online which was full of hate and xenophobia. Blaming the left for what he viewed as declining standards in Norway he believed he was on a mission. He wanted his day in court to espouse his far-right extremist viewpoint.

Declared sane by the court Breivik receieved a 21-year-jail term in 2012. Norway has no death penalty and this was the maximum sentence available.

Aged 33 at time of sentencing could he be freed one day?

Court psychiatrist Torgeir Husby read out quotes from Brevik's mother during his trial. "The mother of Norwegian mass murderer Anders Behring Breivik described how her "kind" son transformed into a "crazy" loner who wore a face mask and talked of a war against Muslims, he told a court".

Opinion

Should Breivik be allowed to attend his mother's funeral? Absolutely not. He has only served months at this time. He has a long way to go in paying his debt to society. In truth he never can.

This man tried to use his court appearances to bolster his extreme views and hate. He will use any opportunity to do this again and that could include a family funeral.

He killed 77 people, many young, in a cold-blooded callous way. Smirking through most of his court appearances he showed no remorse. At one point he said his only regret was that he had not killed more people.

If Breivik had already served many years, was a frail man, was full of remorse, and more, the judicial system may have chosen to show compassion. As he does not fit into any of those descriptions they should show him the compassion he showed his victims, that is none.

Society needs to send out the right signals to those who may consider a similar course of destruction. That signal should be no compassion, in any circumstances.

Breivik and his mother had what they knew would be a final meeting early in March. He was luckier than the loved ones of his victims. They had their family members torn away with no final farewell possible.

Sources and resources:

Norway Panorama

TEKJournalismUK

Sky News

ABC News

Norwegian mass murderer Anders Behring Breivik is having his final day in Court today, August 24. Breivik killed 77 people, many who were young, plus injured more than 240 others when he went on a killing spree in Norway, July 2011. Apprehended at the scene of the killings on Utoyea Island he never denied his actions. He did however try to justify them as "necessary" to stop the spread of Islam in Europe.

The Court case has revolved around whether or not he was sane at the time of the murders. Many people in Norway viewed a possible verdict of insanity as inappropriate. They tend to view a spell in a mental institution as a  "soft option" rather than an extended period in jail. Norway has no death penalty.

Breivik himself wanted to be declared sane even though he knew he would go to jail. It was part of his plan to persuade the Court and the Public that his actions were not those of a madman but rather those of an intelligent person who was on a divine mission. The verdict that he is sane will do nothing to convince sane people that he acted for the good of all. He acted in a monstrous manner.

He has been sentenced to 21 years in jail with a minimum jail term of 10 years. Not long enough by a long chalk. He is aged 33 and will still relatively young if and when he is released.

At time of writing the last day of the trial is ongoing. Although the verdict has been passed the legalities today will be lengthy. As he was declared sane a fleeting smile touched Breivik's lips.

Opinion: The far right around the World, who are so quick to attack Islam and Muslims, should remember that they are no better than the ranting extremists of Islam. Whilst they may use their Western education to play with words the meaning is not wasted on anyone with an ounce of intelligence. There are good and bad in all faiths and all countries. The increase in far right views and their senseless activity is as great a concern as that of terrorists in foreign lands. After all it is how Hitler and his misguided followers gained power.

RIP with thoughts to those injured and the loved ones of the victims.

Political fervor is a strange business. We all live in our own country and on the same planet and so what happens in one country may touch you directly but even if you do not it may indirectly affect you. It is good to have a knowledge of world affairs and form your own opinion rather than being browbeaten into someone elses beliefs but what off extremes?

The far right tends to be thought of as Fascism and the far left Communism. Along the way some people have their ideologies mixed up. When you come across the extreme of either political direction you will know it.

Anders Breivik's politics were to the extreme right. So far to the right that many so called far right groups will have nothing to do with him nor his beliefs. Breivik supposedly in the name of his beliefs shot and killed 77 people, injuring many more, in Norway in 2011. Tomorrow August 23, 2012, he will return to Court to hear the verdict on his crime and his sanity.

The families of his victims want the court to act in what they say would be a "brave" manner and jail Breivik for Life. If he is declared insane he will be sent to a mental institution which some see as a "soft option". That may not necessarily be the case.

Whilst he has been waiting the verdict he has continued to write online his extremist views gathering some misguided followers. Earlier this week it was revealed that in Czech Republic a man  with a similar mission was thankfully intercepted before he could carry out a copycat massacre.

Surely Breivik  should be kept well away from the means to publish his extremist views which will result in the spread of more hatred. There is plenty of hatred spewed online regarding Muslims in Europe without Breivik being allowed to post his views.

Breivik does have some sympathisers and followers who belong to that far right group who are inherent racists. If Breivik is sentenced to life in jail t will be a 20 year sentence which is not long enough. There is no death penalty in the country. He is aged 33 now and so could still wreak havoc in the future.

Teams of psychiatrists do not believe that he is insane so it will be interesting to see tomorrow the outcome of his trial. For the loved ones of his victims it will hopefully offer justice and some closure. No sentence however will be sufficient for the massacre in Norway.
RIP

On July 22, 2011, lone, rogue gunman Anders Breivik went on a killing  spree in Norway. By the time he was apprehended 77 people, including children were dead.  On July 20, 2012, James Holmes went on a killing spree in an Aurora, Colorado cinema. By the time he was apprehended  12 people, including children, were dead.

Both of these cases have similarities. Both gunman were apprehended at the scene. Neither resisted arrested. Both did not die at the scene.

In so many of these cases the perpetrator is killed at the scene of the crime, either at the hands of police or themselves. Many of these gunmen ultimately turn their weapon on themselves.

In 2011 Jared Loughner shot 18 people, including, injured Senator Gabby Giffords, killing six. He too was apprehended at the scene although in his case there was a struggle.

The US appears to on the whole support its peoples right to bear arms. Surely now though the easy access to purchase weapons and ammunition must be being considered.

Well if you think that, then think again. Since Holmes' killing spree the sale of guns in Colorado has increased. Gun classes have reported a surge also. This news may calm fears in the US but it would increase ours. The fact that you could be sat in the cinema with gun toting individuals prepared to use their weapons is worrying to say the least. It is a backward step. One that reverts back to hang em high days and vigilantes. That however is another article. Back to the gunmen.

What happens when these gunmen are captured alive? Obviously a trial follows. That is the justice system. In these cases, were guilt is never in doubt, the trial is more about ascertaining the mental state of the gunman and deciding what punishment will fit the crime.

In Norway there is no death penalty. Breivik will face life in jail or if deemed insane, in a mental institution.

In America the punishment so often depends on the State laws. Again though the trial will ultimately be about trying to find out what caused the attack. Most right minded people would see the ability to turn a gun on other people in such a way as insane. Does this mean that all of these gunman are insane?

The Courts would say no. How you determine the difference between madness and hate though is unclear. Yes psychologists will question, assess, interview and more before declaring sane or not. However if you are evil enough to commit torture, murder and more surely you are insane?

We will all assess the recent murders in a slightly different way but we will all condemn them. Those who do not must surely be insane themselves?

Sane or evil then will be the question. Premeditation in the US case will probably mean that an insanity plea is thrown out. Do you have to be sane to plot evil acts? The courts it seems would say Yes. Most people view a life term in a mental institution as a soft option though that may not be the case.

The trial will be followed with "what do we do with the gunman". In Colorado for Holmes it could be death by lethal injection.

We have no answers but think it must be time for change. It must be time to put in place practices which will prevent such massacres from happening over, and over, and over again. Having more citizens carrying weapons will not do that.

Tags: US gun crime,US politics, Anders Breivik, James Holmes, Aurora Cinema shooting, sane or evil

The latest massacre in the US has opened up the debate on gun control once more. If you look at social media sites, such as Facebook, online it would seem that citizens of the US want to strengthen their constitutional right to bear arms and are not willing to surrender this at any price.

As the World as we know it slowly but surely begins to unravel wanting to protect yourself from would be enemies makes sense. Poor gun control does not. It will after all mean that your enemies will be just as well armed, if not more so, as you.

Of course listening to some Americans gun views does not mean all individuals in that country will agree. Is it simply a gun crazed minority pushing their views out online or are they really speaking for the majority? That is for you to decide. However here are some interesting statistics regarding gun deaths in the USA.

The States was built on gun toting individuals and gangs, if the tales of the Wild West are anything to go by. Back in 1865 President Abraham Lincoln was assasinated by a man carrying a gun. He has not been the last great person to die in such a way.

John F Kennedy, his brother Robert, Presidents James Garfield and William McKinle, and Martin Luther King all died at the hands of gunmen. Men who disagreed with their policies but were incapable of changing things without a gun. Cowards in other words. You can pretty it up however you like but those who carry out assinations are cowards, paid killers, fanatics and more. Terrorists in all but name.

The US is quick to point the finger at terrorists these days but cannot see it was built on such acts.

Currently many of the deaths from guns in the US are either due to crime in poor urban areas or suicides. Yes having a weapon to hand is not ideal when poeple become depressed. As we know all too well some people who become mentally unstable will take their weapons to the people and cause mayhem.

Although there have been some restrictions on gun ownership in the US it has largely failed. Differing levels of control in different States makes little sense. It can be as easy as crossing a border then, to buy what you want.

Like the UK, the US criminal fraternity buy, carry and use guns. In the US gun crime is more widespread.

The figures relating to gun suicide vary. For decades in the 20th Century the incidence of US gun suicides was high. Even so according to wikipedia, "In the United States, firearms remain the most common method of suicide, accounting for 50.7% of all suicides committed during 2006"

Wikipedia go on to claim that "Gun-related death rates in the United States are eight times higher than they are in countries that are economically and politically similar to it. Higher rates are found in developing countries and those with political instability"

The NRA, national rifle association, will fight tooth and nail to retain the US citizens "right to bear arms." After all many people stand to lose out financially if gun laws are changed. Perhaps it will all boil down to money as usual.

The media, in particular US media, is full of stories relating to the Aurora massacre. None however appear to be pushing for gun control change or a re-think. None are able to provide any answers.

Neither can we, but we know 100% that Aurora will not be the last gun massacre in the US. That stands to reason. That is unless there is a fundamental change.

In Europe madmen such as Anders Breivik will go on a killing rampage but it will happen rarely. Look at Norway's history and you will see Breivik was the first and hopefully the last gun toting lunatic in that country.

Can the US say the same of James Holmes?

Tags: US gun control, NRA, US politics, US massacre

The trial of mass killer Anders Breivik in Norway is in its final throes. The 10-week trial is due to end tomorrow, June 22, 2012. For the survivors of his horrific attack on July 22, 2011, the trial has been a necessary evil. They have faced Breivik across the court room stirring up terrible memories of that fateful day.

Breivik killed  77 people, including children, in the bomb and gun rampage he launched. Loved ones of  those who died have also endured being close to Breivik during the trial. All have said that they want justice for those who died.

Deciding just what that justice will be, is the remaining job of the court.

From the start of the trial determining Breivik's state of mind prior to the attack, during the attack and since has been paramount. The verdict of the trial in expected on one of two days, either in July or August.. The disputed issue is Brevik's state of mind. The prosecution are asking that he be declared insane. If the court agrees Breivik will be placed into compulsory psychiatric care. This will mean that he will not face criminal charges for his actions in attacking so many people. In other words he will not be held criminally resposible.

Many eople will claim such a verdict will offer Breivik a soft option. However it is one he deos not want.

Brevik has maintained a not guilty plea throughout the trial. His argument is that his actions were politically motivated. The judges at the trial will have to decide if he is insane or sane and then issue the appropriate sentence.

The Juky 22 massacre is the worst in Norway's peace time history.

Tomorrow June 22, 2012, Brevik's defense team will respond to the prosecution'sclaim that Breivik is insane.


Update: June 22, 2012, the trial ends.
Today Breivik has taken to the stand to protest his sanity. He has maintained yet again that,  "he acted to stop a Muslim invasion, and has asked to be considered sane and to be acquitted."  That statement alone in many people's minds shows how insane he is.

Around 30 people, the family members of Breivik's victims walked out in protest during his testimony. They have had to listen to gut wrenching details, of the murder of their loved ones, throughout this 10-week trial. Their stance today was that Breivik had the right to speak but they did not have to listen to him. They had heard all that was relevant already.

Brevik had to formally ask to be acquitted as he does not accept any guilt. However he talked for 45 minutes detailing his political extremism and hatred of many people. Much of today's evidence, including Breivik's plea statement was not broadcast.

The judges now face the task of deciding whether or not Brevik is sane. Their verdict will be revealed on August 24, 2012.

April 24, 2012, day seven of the trial of multiple killer Anders Behring Breivik in Oslo, Norway.

After giving testimony to the court for days it was the turn of Breivik to listen. Today witnesses were giving evidence on the July 22, 2011 massacre, the day when Breivik killed 77 people. The bomb attack in Oslo involved a 950-kg fertilizer bomb which caused terrible injuries to some of the dead. For members of the emergency services dealing with the aftermath of the explosion in Oslo it was carnage. More than 100 body parts wee found scattered around the area.

The day in court was once more very hard for the relatives of those killed by Breivik. Images shown of autopsies reduced many to tears. Specific images of injuries sustained were only shown to court officials and those deemed as needing to view them.

Through most of the day in court Beivik remained seemingly emotionless. A flicker of a smile flit across his face when a security guard was giving evidence. This fleeting sign of life was in response to the guard's assessment that Breivik's reason for the murders was “totally absurd.”

Police operations leader Thor Langli went on to describe the day's events in Oslo and in the government buildings. Many twists of fate led to police not reaching the island of Utoya for some time. By then 69 people had been killed on the island. Breivik has said that he was prepared to die that day and was sure that he would be killed before he carried out the Island attack. It goes without saying that it would have been so much easier, and better for many, if he had.

The trial continues and is expected to last for nine weeks.

Today, Monday April 23, 2012 Anders Behring Bretivik has taken to the stand for the last time. After today it will be up to others to present their case and decide on the sanity of Breivik. This mass murderer has been a strange witness. Today is proving no different.

At times Anders has seemed many things including sane, callous, emotional, cold and totally insane. There is no doubt that he killed the 77 victims but why remains unclear. His ongoing testimony would have us believe that he was on a mission similar to a Crusade.

In court today he offered an apology but only to those killed on the mainland who he deems as non-political. The Island of Utoya was holding a conference of young socialists who Breivik appears to have assessed as legitimate targets. According to SkyNews he described those on the island as ""political activists" working for the "deconstruction of Norwegian society." He went on to say that he considered Utoya island a "political indoctrination camp". "This is a small barbarity to avoid a larger barbarity," Breivik told the court".
The dead on Utoya included very young children, teenagers and women. All were ill prepared to be able to defend themselves from this shooter. Brevik is completing his testimony about the murders prior to speaking regarding his sanity. He also told the court that on the day in question in July 2011 he wore a  "good luck coin" from the Knights Templar.  This again illustrates how he saw the murders as somehow a valiant mission.

The trial continues.

Anders Breivik trial Norway - Day Five
Anders Breivik trial Norway - Day Four
Anders Breivik Day Three of trial
Norway trial Day Two- Breivik smugly has judge removed
Anders Breivik Day One of trial

As the week draws to a close the court in Oslo, Norway, has listened to further testimony by murderer Anders Breivik. It is Day Five in the trial which is gripping Norway. The killing of 77 people  in July 2011 remains unexplained.

Yesterday Breivik insisted that given the chance he would do it all again. He also said yesterday that he wanted to kill everyone on Utoya Island. Today, Friday April 20, 2012 he has slightly changed his stance.

Reporting from the trial the BBC said, "Anders Behring Breivik has described how he shot people who were "begging for their lives" during his island rampage in which dozens died last July.Testifying before an Oslo court, he described seeing people curled up and "completely paralysed" as he reloaded his weapon and shot them in the head. Earlier the 33-year-old said he was normally a nice person but had shut off his emotions to carry out the attacks."

The court is attempting to ascertain whether Breivik was sane when he carried out the murders or not. Certainly the above testimony hardly sounds like it came from a sane person. 

Today Breivik told the hushed court that he had a 100 voices in his head telling him not to carry out the murders. He told the court he did not want to carry out his established plan of action. He talked as if he had no choice in the matter and had been unable to resist. 

He described the killings saying, "Some of them are completely paralysed. They cannot run"  "Two people were curled up."He said he reloaded after running out of ammunition. "People were begging for their lives. I just shot them in the head."

He remained emotionless as he gave evidence but many people in the court were visibly moved and cried. Throughout his testimony Brevik appeared a confused and emotional wreck. He told the court he was able to feel sadness and how the death of a person he knew affected him badly. He maintained that he had carefully dehumanised himself long before the killings took place in order to carry them out.

He still insists that he is sane and acted out of political extremism. For most people those words alone though would signal insanity.

It seems that Anders Breivik had tried to get his point of view across in other ways before he went on a killing spree. He had lobbied politicians, joined political parties, become involved in Internet debate and more. None however to his mind had made a scrap of political difference. This led to him deciding on violence as the only way forward.

Utoya became the place where the majority of Breivik's victims were killed. Initially he had thought that the Oslo bombing would be his main attack. He had envisaged the building collapsing and it turning into a major disaster. As it was 8 people died in the city compared to 77 on the island of Utoya

The trial continues...

Tags: Utoya island, Norway, Oslo, Anders Breivik, mass murderer, killing spree,political extremism

Day four of the trial of Anders Breivik who killed 77 people and injured more is under way April 19, 2012. Far from showing any remorse Breivik has continued to maintain that he would do it all again. For him there are only two possible outcomes from this trial. One is that he is acquitted and the other is death. With no death penalty in Norway and no doubt that he was guilty of the murders neither outcomes seem likely.

On the stand today Breivik has been recalling the killing of 69 people on the island of Utoya. He claims that he had hoped to kill all of those present. He went on to say that he wanted to frighten the survivors to take to the water and drown.

One woman in particular on the island was a wanted person by Breivik. This was  the former prime minister Gro Harlem Brundtland, who Breivik wanted to kill. The killing would have been caught on video by Anders and posted online. He planned to behead her in what he called an execution

Day four has involved details of Breivik's plans being revealed. The statements have resulted in people openly weeping in the court. A break was taken for people to be able to compose themselves.

The trial continues.