Breivik insane assessment upheld

There have been calls in Norway for another psychiatric assessment of confessed mass murderer Anders Behring Breivik, after the Forensic Commission controversially agreed that he is insane.

Just before Christmas the Commission announced it was to uphold the findings of psychiatrists Synne Sørheim and Torgeir Husby, who claim that the 32 year-old right wing extremist needs care, not prison time.

“We received a letter from the Forensic Commission stating it has no significant remarks about the experts’ decision,” said state prosecutors Svein Holden and Inga Bejer Engh in a statement. According to NRK, however, several members privately expressed concerns about the findings, with some questioning whether Breivik is suffering from paranoid schizophrenia, and calling for further investigation into his ideology.

According to The Foreigner, many have now called again for a completely new psychological assessment, with Oslo District Court sending a letter to both the prosecution and defence to ascertain whether this is required.

“Prosecutors will now consider whether initiating further investigations to assess the accused’s sanity is required,” Svein Holden and Ina Bejer Engh stated.

Mette Yvonne Larsen, the defence counsel, has already officially filed for a reassessment, claiming that, “The Commission implies there are objections when it chooses to formulate itself in this way.”

Breivik has admitted killing 77 people in twin terror attacks in Norway on 22nd July this year. He denies that he is insane and says his actions were “necessary” to save Norway and Europe from Muslim rule.