Fact Check: "Assuming he does not die in prison, Anders Behring Breivik will walk free eventually, since Norway does not have the Life in Prison sentence"
What We Know
Anders Behring Breivik, the perpetrator of the 2011 Norway attacks that resulted in 77 deaths, was sentenced to a maximum of 21 years in prison, which can be extended indefinitely as long as he is deemed a threat to society (source-1, source-2). This system is known as preventive detention, allowing for the possibility of extensions beyond the initial sentence if the individual is still considered dangerous (source-3).
Breivik has been seeking parole since serving ten years of his sentence, but he has been denied multiple times, with recent rulings affirming that he remains a public threat (source-4, source-5). The Norwegian justice system is built on principles of rehabilitation rather than retribution, which has led to debates about how to handle extreme cases like Breivik's (source-1).
Analysis
The claim that Breivik will eventually walk free is partially true. While it is accurate that Norway does not have a life sentence in the traditional sense, the preventive detention system allows for indefinite extensions of his sentence as long as he poses a threat. This means that, theoretically, he could remain in prison for life if authorities determine he is still dangerous (source-2).
However, Breivik's attempts to gain early release have been consistently denied, indicating that the system is functioning as intended in terms of public safety (source-4). The Norwegian legal framework emphasizes rehabilitation and humane treatment, which complicates the public's perception of justice in extreme cases like Breivik's. Critics argue that the leniency of the system is being tested by his actions and statements, which have included expressions of extremist views even during parole hearings (source-1).
The reliability of the sources used in this analysis is high, with reputable news organizations and legal references providing the information. However, it is essential to note that public sentiment and media portrayals can sometimes skew perceptions of the justice system's effectiveness in handling cases of extreme violence.
Conclusion
The claim that Anders Behring Breivik will eventually walk free is partially true. While he is currently serving a 21-year sentence that can be extended indefinitely, the possibility of his release hinges on future assessments of his threat level. As it stands, he remains incarcerated, with multiple denials of parole reflecting the system's commitment to public safety.
Sources
- Norway killer Breivik tests limits of lenient justice system - AP News
- Anders Behring Breivik - Wikipedia - Wikipedia
- Anders Breivik: Mass murderer loses lawsuit over prison ... - BBC News
- Norwegian mass murderer Anders Breivik denied parole - Reuters
- Norwegian mass killer Anders Behring Breivik seeks parole for a second ... - AP News
