The Norwegian terrorist who killed 77 people in twin attacks in 2011 has officially reported the director of Ila Prison and the Norwegian Minister of Justice and Public Security to the police for violating his human rights. Anders Behring Breivik, who has three cells at his disposal in a specially high-security unit at the prison, claims he is subjected to torture.
Breivik has earlier complained about his conditions in prison and is accusing the prison management of subjecting him to long-term periods of isolation, depriving him of access to fresh air and exercise.
He also claims prison officials are restricting his right to freedom of expression and intentionally trying to break him down psychologically, as well as subjecting him to unnecessary physical check-ups.
He believes the prison management is violating the Norwegian Constitution, The European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms and the United Nation’s Convention against torture, news bureau NTB reported on Friday.
“It’s a prisoner’s right in a state governed by law to file a complaint,” an official at the Ministry of Justice, which is in charge of Norwegian prisons, told NTB. “This case is very well-documented, and we’ll provide all necessary information to the police.”
Ila Prison director, Knut Bjarkeid, was on holiday this week and would not comment until he had seen the formal complaint.
Conditions in Norwegian prisons are generally better than in most countries, with some prisoners even comparing them to hotels. Breivik is being held under maximum security and in isolation, also for his own protection against other prisoners.
Breivik, who was sentenced to Norway’s strongest possible prison term and may be held for life, reportedly has accepted a visit from his mother and is writing a book. He has never shown any sign of regret for the death and destruction he caused on July 22, 2011.
Views and News from Norway/Aasa Christine Stoltz
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