Court officials in Oslo have said the trial of confessed terrorist Anders Behring Breivik, who killed 77 persons during a bombing and shooting spree on July 22, likely will begin in April, just after Norway’s long Easter holiday.
Erling Moe of the court administration told VG Nett over the weekend that they’re working towards a trial start from April 1. Since major trials generally aren’t held during the week before Easter, however, a possible start day will be Tuesday April 10.
With so many plaintiffs and witnesses involved, plus foreign press interest, administrators have considered holding the trial at a venue larger than Oslo’s local courthouse, because of fears it lacks capacity. Court officials, however, feel an arena or auditorium setting would not offer the necessary “dignity,” so the trial likely will be conducted at the local courthouse (Oslo tingrett) after all.
Court officials, though, are considering video and audio links to other courthouses around the country so survivors, victims families and their lawyers can follow the trial from their hometowns. Mounting the trial is a huge challenge, since it’s the largest criminal case ever in Norwegian history.
Views and News staff
