ABSTRACT
On 22 July 2011 Norway was struck by two terror attacks of unprecedented magnitude for that country. First, an improvised explosive device hidden in a Volkswagen Crafter van was detonated at the centre of the executive government quarter in the capital of Oslo, destroying several central buildings, including the office of the prime minister. Eight people were killed and another nine were seriously injured. Less than two hours after the explosion a gunman disguised as a police officer opened fire on a summer camp organised by the Norwegian Labour Party’s youth association, AUF, on the island of Utøya, located 32 kilometres outside Oslo. The shooting claimed the lives of 69 individuals; many others were injured in the attack. Most of the victims were aged between 15 and 18 years old. The perpetrator, 32-year-old Anders Behring Breivik, was arrested the same evening and immediately confessed to committing both attacks. Breivik, a Norwegian citizen, was charged under criminal law for acts of terrorism and premeditated murder. A year later the Oslo District Court established that he had operated alone. He was declared sane, found guilty and sentenced to Norway’s maximum sentence: at least 21 years’ preventive detention ( forvaring) which, under Norwegian law, can be repeatedly extended for five years as long as he is still considered a danger to society.1
