Anders Breivik loses case against Norwegian state: terrorist’s prison regime is not inhumane | Abroad

The terrorist argued that his isolation violates Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which prohibits torture and inhuman or degrading treatment and punishment. The judge thinks differently.

“Breivik enjoys good material detention conditions and a relatively high degree of freedom on a daily basis,” Judge Birgitte Kolrud ruled in her verdict. “It seems unrealistic to consider major changes as significant changes in the risk profile are unlikely to occur in the short term.” The state still considers Breivik dangerous and “an absolutely extreme risk of total unbridled violence.”

During the five-day trial held in early January, the 45-year-old extremist, sometimes in tears, described himself as depressed and addicted to the antidepressant Prozac. He further accused the authorities of trying to “drive him to suicide”. However, health experts noted that Breivik is not depressed or suicidal.

Breivik, 45, has been in solitary confinement under close guard for about twelve years. Last summer, the far-right terrorist entered into a battle with the Norwegian state for the second time over his detention conditions. He tried to be released early two years ago, but his request was rejected.

Although Breivik lives in isolation, he is serving his sentence in comfortable conditions. His cell consists of three rooms, including a small gym and a kitchen. He has access to a television, an Xbox and three parakeets, in accordance with his request to have a pet. “Breivik is being treated exceptionally well,” says prison director Eirik Bergstedt.