As Breivik got up to enter the witness box, he was followed by three guards. He stands upright and addresses the judge and the public prosecutor with his full name when he begins his explanation.
– It is not the intention that you should read from a script, says judge Dag Bjørvik when he sees that Breivik uses the thick pile of papers he has with him.
Then the terrorist begins his explanation:
– I distance myself from all violence and terror. This is behind me. I hereby give you my word of honor for that, says the 42-year-old.
However, he still wants to work for a National Socialist movement in Europe.
– There is a difference between a militant and a non-militant National Socialist movement, says Breivik and refers to the Nordic resistance movement, a Nazi organization originating in Sweden.
May explain themselves freely
He therefore asks for understanding that one can be a Nazi without being militant.
– I want acceptance for that. If the court finds it impossible and demands that I resign from politics, then I can do it. I am willing to adapt to what the court requires, says Breivik.
He says that some of his explanation will “sound very frightening to you and the general public in Norway”, but says the following:
– It is critical that you understand how brainwashed I was ten years ago. It’s not my fault I was brainwashed. It is those who brainwash online, who bear almost all the responsibility for July 22, he says.
The terrorist then begins to explain the origins of various political ideologies. He will later return to why he thinks he was brainwashed.
The judge wonders where Breivik wants with this, but the 42-year-old is allowed to continue when he insists that it is important to explain his background.
May explain themselves freely
The background for the trial that began on Tuesday is that Breivik wants to be released on probation from the detention sentence he received after killing 77 people on July 22, 2011.
This is a right he has as he has served a minimum of 10 years.
– PREPARED: Ander Behring Breivik (42) shows a number of arms with messages to both the judges and the press during his explanation. Photo: Frode Sunde / TV 2
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The key question is whether there is a recurring danger that the 42-year-old will commit a new, serious crime if he is released now.
On Tuesday, Breivik has the opportunity to explain himself to the judges. The terrorist’s testimony is twofold: First he is allowed to speak freely for about an hour and a half, while he must answer the prosecutor’s questions for the last hour and a half.
Would not reply about remorse
Even before the court was set, journalists tried to ask Breivik if he regretted his actions. Then he talked instead about race war.
When asked by the judge what his position is, Breivik replied that he works for the Nordic state and is a parliamentary candidate for a Nazi, non-violent party.
According to Breivik’s explanation on Tuesday, time has been set aside for testimony on Wednesday. Forensic psychiatrist Randi Rosenqvist will explain how she assesses Breivik today.
In addition, a representative of Skien prison, where Breivik is serving, will explain himself. Breivik has also called in the well-known, Swedish neo-Nazi Pär Öberg.
On Thursday, the case will end with the prosecutor and defense counsel’s procedures.
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