Breivik sues Norwegian state over prison isolation

Anders Behring Breivik, who killed 77 people in 2011, is suing the Norwegian state. He is arguing that his isolation violates his human rights.

Breivik killed eight people with a car bomb in Oslo and shot dead 69 people at a youth camp in July 2011.

He was sentenced to the maximum sentence a Norwegian court can impose - 21 years. However this can be extended for as long as he is deemed a threat. He unsuccessfully applied for paroled in 2022.

He is currently located in a dedicated section of Ringerike prison, close to where he carried out his attack, and has access to a training room, kitchen, TV room and a bathroom.

In a court hearing, Breivik's lawyer stated that he has been isolated for about 12 years and is suffering deep depression and no longer wishes to live.

However, lawyers for the justice ministry argue that he is able to enjoy a wide range of activities, has contact with guards, a priest and health professionals and also sees two inmates for an hour every other week. They also stated that he must be kept away from the rest of the prison population due to the continuing security threat he poses.

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