OSLO, Norway – Anders Breivik, a right-wing extremist who committed mass murder in 2011, has been living in what appears to be a luxury apartment within the confines of his Norwegian prison cell. However, Breivik claims that his human rights are being violated despite the seemingly upscale living conditions.
Held at Ringerike, Breivik’s two-story prison complex boasts a kitchen, a TV room with a flat-screen, and an Xbox gaming console. The kitchen even has a dishwasher, and the facility offers a myriad of amenities such as a library, a dining room, and a fully-equipped gym for the inmates. Notably, Breivik also has three pet parakeets that freely roam around his living quarters.
Comparatively, Robert Maudsley, deemed Britain’s most dangerous prisoner, has been confined to a bulletproof underground cell for more than 16,600 days, after being convicted of killing four people. The stark contrast between the living conditions of these two notorious criminals highlights the controversy surrounding Norway’s prison system.
Serving a 21-year sentence that began in 2012, Breivik’s current situation involving relative social isolation has been called into question. Despite having what some may define as a cushy environment, Breivik recently filed a lawsuit against the Norwegian government, alleging that his solitary confinement violates the European Convention on Human Rights. However, the government maintains that there is no evidence supporting Breivik’s claims of human rights violations.
Breivik’s murderous rampage left 77 people dead and is deemed to be a consequence of his extremist ideology. Following the bomb attack in Oslo, he went on to gun down 69 people, predominantly teenagers, at a youth camp on Utoya island. His lack of remorse for the attacks further underscores the severity of his crimes.
Though he has sought parole and even filed lawsuits, Breivik’s lack of rehabilitation and the ongoing threat he poses to society make the question of his freedom a deeply contentious issue. As the legal battle continues, the public remains divided over whether he deserves any form of reintegration into society.