Norwegian Mass Killer Breivik Sues State Again Over Prison Isolation

Lawyer Claims Breivik's Mental Health Deteriorating, Government Argues Isolation Necessary for Security

Anders Behring Breivik, the Norwegian mass killer who murdered 77 people in 2011, has launched a second attempt to sue the state, alleging that his human rights have been violated due to his isolation in prison.
Breivik's lawyer, Øystein Storrvik, claims that his client's mental health has deteriorated due to his years in solitary confinement, leaving him 'suicidal' and dependent on antidepressants.
Breivik is asking for an easing of restrictions and more contact with other inmates, arguing that his 12 1/2 years in isolation is 'unique' in recent European judicial history.
Government lawyers argue that Breivik's isolation is necessary for security reasons, as he poses a continuing threat and has shown himself to be unreceptive to rehabilitative work.
The verdict on Breivik's case, which is being held in a makeshift courtroom in the gymnasium of Ringerike prison, is expected to be issued in the coming weeks.