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, is currently serving a 21-year prison sentence, which is the maximum term allowed under Norwegian law for civilian crimes. This sentence can be extended indefinitely as long as he is deemed a threat to society (AP News, BBC). Norway does not have a conventional life imprisonment sentence for civilian criminals; instead, it employs a system of preventive detention that allows for the extension of sentences based on the individual's risk to public safety (Wikipedia, Wikipedia).
Breivik has sought parole multiple times, but his requests have been denied due to concerns about his potential threat to society (AP News, BBC). His treatment in prison has sparked significant debate about the leniency of Norway's justice system, particularly in extreme cases like his (AP News).
Analysis
The claim that Breivik will eventually walk free if he does not die in prison is partially true. While it is accurate that Norway does not impose a life sentence in the traditional sense, the reality is more complex. Breivik's 21-year sentence can be extended indefinitely if he is still considered a danger to society (BBC, Reuters). This means that while he could theoretically be released after serving his initial term, it is contingent upon assessments of his threat level.
The sources discussing Breivik's case are generally reliable, including established news organizations like the Associated Press and BBC, which provide factual reporting on his legal situation and the implications of Norwegian law (AP News, BBC). However, there is a potential for bias in public sentiment regarding Breivik, which could influence how his case is reported and interpreted.
Moreover, the Norwegian legal framework emphasizes rehabilitation and humane treatment, which complicates public perceptions of justice in extreme cases. Experts have noted that the system is designed to avoid harsh punitive measures, focusing instead on the potential for rehabilitation (AP News, BBC). This approach has been tested by Breivik's extreme actions and ideologies, leading to ongoing discussions about whether the justice system should adapt for such cases.
Conclusion
The claim that Anders Behring Breivik will eventually walk free is partially true. While he is serving a maximum sentence of 21 years that can be extended, there is no definitive timeline for his release, as it depends on ongoing evaluations of his threat to society. Therefore, while the absence of a life sentence in Norway means he could theoretically be released, the practical realities of his situation suggest that he may remain incarcerated for an extended period, if not indefinitely.
Sources
- Norway killer Breivik tests limits of lenient justice system - AP News
- Anders Breivik: Mass murderer loses lawsuit over prison isolation - BBC
- Anders Behring Breivik - Wikipedia
- Norwegian mass killer Breivik sues the state for "extreme" - Reuters
- Life imprisonment in Norway - Wikipedia
- Norwegian mass killer Anders Behring Breivik seeks parole for a second - AP News
- Norway court says mass killer Breivik's prison isolation not 'inhumane - Al Jazeera
