Norwegian politics after Breivik

OSLO—The lawyer for Anders Behring Breivik, who has admitted being behind Friday's bombing and shootings in Norway that killed 76 people, said Tuesday that everything about the case indicated that his client is insane.

Speaking at a press conference, Geir Lippestad described Mr. Breivik as cold and without empathy, but didn't indicate whether he would enter a plea of insanity at his trial.

Asked about Mr. Breivik's motivation for the attacks, Mr. Lippestad said: "He's in a war and thinks that the whole western world doesn't understand his point of view, but that in 60 years' time we will all understand," adding that he hates anyone who believes in western democratic values.

According to his lawyer, Mr. Breivik was surprised that he managed to carry out the attacks and that he had expected to die.

Mr. Lippestad said his client has told him the attacks were directed against the ruling Labour party. But he defended acting on behalf of Mr. Breivik, despite the lawyer confirming that he himself was a member of the Labour party. He added that Mr. Breivik didn't know that he was a member.

It came as Mr. Breivik, who has admitted to carrying out Friday's attacks in Norway, could be charged with crimes against humanity, which carry a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison, Norwegian police prosecutor Sturla Henreiksboe said Tuesday.

Mr. Breivik is currently charged with terrorism-related crimes, which carry a prison term of up to 21 years in Norway, following Friday's bombing and shootings in Oslo and the Utoya island where 76 people were killed. That sentence can be extended if a prisoner is deemed a risk to the public.

Paul Austad, Oslo

I hope that the people of Norway will become more conscious of how important it is to accept that our culture is in fact changing as a result of increased immigration. The irony is that the ruling party has become more and more sceptical to immigration over the last 10 years, partly owing to losing votes to Fremskrittspartiet, a party strongly opposed to immigration.

Anders Rekve, Oslo

I cringe at the use of the word "multiculturalism". I've never heard it before this weekend and I don't want to hear about it again. I understand the concept and the general meaning of the word, but I disagree on the premise that society needs to be explained in terms of which culture you belong to.

You're either a member of society or not. Multiculturalism is a term used to section society into smaller pieces that illustrate belonging and identity. I don't find it a fruitful method of distinction. If you live in Norway, you are a part of that society it is that simple. And as a part of society, you need to obey the laws. Anders Behring Breivik did not obey these laws.

Jarle R Carlsen, Norway

I have always rejected the arguments of the extreme right on immigration, most immigrants to Western Europe are just searching for a better life. Because immigrants tend to stick together in their new countries you will, to some extent, get high concentrations of foreigners in some areas. This makes the uninformed and bigoted very scared. The terror attack in my country last Friday has made me even more determined to explain to the uninformed how important immigration is to our small country.

Frederik Wendel, Norway

The fact is, the majority of people are opposed to the multiculturalism the government is promoting. We have seen clearly the problems that immigration creates, and the worst thing is we are not allowed to express that opinion. So, I'm not surprised about what happened.

Cora in Skien, Telemark, Norway

These attacks have, if anything made me realise that I have been born and raised in one of the most open democracies in the world, and looking back I have enjoyed the benefits of this without really reflecting on them.

Things that I have always taken for granted, from being able to be a member of a political youth organization, to freedom of speech and democracy have suddenly become things that I am willing to fight for. Anders Behring Breivik has made me realise that there are people around me who have beliefs and ideas of what a healthy society is, ideas which are so distinctly different from my own.

Per Jonas Xia Mehus, Baerum

Norway has had a remarkable political consistency, even through changing governments. I do not think a person representing a marginalised fraction will change this. We are prepared to fight terrorism with democracy.

Regarding Anders Behring Breivik, he will be dealt with according to Norwegian law, and except from his own marginalised political fraction, I do not think anyone would like to see capital punishment introduced in Norway, not even among those closest to his victims.

Bjørnar Steine, Hedmark

I agree to a certain extent that this attack will mean more focus on the possibility that attacks of this nature can occur in Norway. On the other hand people need to realise that these kinds of attacks can be done by any extremist, regardless of political group.

There has been a rise in the number of right wing parties in Norway recently, I think this is a result of reforms and reorganisation of pensions, hospitals, taxes, fuel prices and so on. The left wing parties and their politics have resulted in more people living in poverty and social care.