Testifying at a court in Oslo on Tuesday, Breivik read out a statement explaining why he had carried out the massacre, vowing he “would do it all again because he was motivated by goodness, not evil.”
He claimed to be speaking as a commander of the European and Norwegian resistance movement. “I have carried out the most spectacular and sophisticated attack on Europe since World War II,” he added.
The anti-Muslim extremist lashed out at Norwegian and European governments for embracing multiculturalism.
Breivik has pleaded not guilty to criminal charges, saying he acted in defense. He claimed himself to be a crusader and his attacks a political act designed to prevent what he described as a “Muslim invasion” of Europe.
Earlier, the court dismissed Thomas Indreboe, a lay judge in the trial of Breivik, after he posted a comment on a Facebook page the day after the July 22 attacks, saying the anti-Islam extremist should face the death penalty for the worst act of violence.
Breivik, 33, faces terrorism and premeditated murder charges for detonating a bomb in the center of the Norwegian capital and a shooting spree at the governing Labor Party’s annual youth camp on Utoya.
Eight people died in Oslo and 69 were killed on the island.
The 10-week trial, which begins on Monday, will decide whether Breivik should be sent for treatment at a psychiatric hospital or to jail.
If found sane, Breivik faces a maximum 21-year jail term, but sentences can be prolonged indefinitely for inmates deemed to pose a danger to Norwegian society.
Similar rules apply in those under psychiatric care.
YH/MFB/MRS/JR
Related posts:
Views: 0