The man behind the shootings and bombing last Friday in Norway was in court today.
July 25, 2011- Anders Breivik had his first hearing in court on Monday for his suspected killing of 93 people in Norway last Friday. He arrived under great security in an armored Mercedes via a back entrance to the courthouse’s basement. He was there to face his arraignment following his Friday arrest for the bombing and shootings.
The arraignment was behind closed doors and last about 40 minutes. Prosecutors requested he be held eight weeks in detention, double the standard, while the investigation was proceeding. When the first cars arrived before the hearing many people could be heard outside screaming “bloody killer” and “traitor.”
Geir Lippestad, Breivik’s lawyer, entered through the front entrance after wading through a sea of reporters that had been there since the early morning. The trial should start within about a year and the maximum jail sentence in Norway is only 21 years but there is a provision to extend that time frame if there is sufficient evidence indicating the risk for additional offenses.
His lawyer says he already confessed but has denied any criminal responsibility. Breivik wanted to address the court and explain his actions and the hearing behind closed doors was against his wishes. His lawyer, Mr. Lippestad had earlier said Breivik had two requests, “he wants a public hearing and he wants to attend in uniform.”
