Right-wing extremist Anders Behring Breivik deems prison conditions "suicidal" as trial against Norwegian State unfolds

Anders Behring Breivik, infamous for the 2011 massacre that claimed 77 lives, expressed his distress over what he considers “inhumane” prison conditions during the opening of his trial against the Norwegian state on Monday.

Currently serving his sentence in isolation for over 11 years, the 44-year-old argues that this prolonged seclusion violates Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights.

Breivik’s lawyer, Oystein Storrvik, revealed in court that the isolation has led to a profound impact on his mental well-being, stating, “The main damage linked to Breivik’s isolation is that he no longer has the desire to live. You can call it a depression.”

Storrvik also disclosed an incident where Breivik, now reportedly on Prozac, pleaded, “Kill me! Please, kill me.”

Appearing in a dark suit with a greying beard and shaved head, Breivik refrained from the provocative gestures witnessed in previous court sessions and remained passive throughout Monday’s proceedings.

He was sentenced to 21 years in prison in 2012, with the possibility of extension as long as he is considered a threat.

“He’ll never get out, he’s well aware of that,” Storrvik emphasized to the court, questioning the feasibility of handing down a de facto life sentence with no human contact.

The lawyer argued that Norwegian authorities failed to implement sufficient measures to address Breivik’s relative isolation, restricting his human interaction mainly to professionals such as wardens, lawyers, and a chaplain.

Breivik also sought an easing of restrictions on his correspondence rights, invoking another article of the Convention on Human Rights.

Despite the limitations, the Ringerike prison, where Breivik is held, provides him access to various amenities, including a kitchen, TV room, game console, and an exercise room. Notably, prison officials have accommodated his request for a pet, providing him with three budgies.

Norway’s prison system, focused on rehabilitation rather than punishment, has faced criticism for its treatment of Breivik.

In 2016, he sued the Norwegian state on similar grounds, with lower courts initially ruling in his favor before higher courts sided with the state. The European Court of Human Rights dismissed his case in 2018 as “inadmissible.”

The state’s lawyer, Andreas Hjetland, defended Breivik’s prison conditions, stating, “An extraordinarily dangerous inmate requires extraordinary security measures,” and emphasized that the conditions are “nowhere near the level of human rights violations.”

Despite the state’s assertions, survivors and relatives of the victims find Breivik’s public appearances distressing.

The Oslo court has barred the broadcast of Breivik’s testimony on Tuesday amid concerns that he could exploit it as a platform for his political views.