Cops May Seek New Charge, Longer Sentence for Breivik

A conviction of crimes against humanity could mean 30 years
By Evann Gastaldo,  Newser Staff
Posted Jul 26, 2011 7:43 AM CDT
Anders Behring Breivik Could Be Charged With Crimes Against Humanity for Norway Terror Attacks to Get Longer Sentence
Geir Lippestad, defense lawyer for Anders Behring Breivik, speaks during an interview Tuesday July 26, 2011 in Oslo, Norway.   (AP Photo/Scanpix Norway/Berit Roald)

You were likely shocked to read that Anders Behring Breivik, who admitted to killing 76 people in two Norway terror attacks, faces a maximum of 21 years in prison—but Norwegian police are considering a new charge that could increase that amount. The current terror-related charges Breivik faces come with the 21-year maximum, but a conviction of crimes against humanity could bring a 30-year sentence, a prosecutor tells a local paper, adding that such a charge is just "a possibility."

"Police have so far cited ... the law on terrorism but seeking other charges has not been excluded," says a police spokesperson. Meanwhile, Breivik's defense lawyer says the case indicates Breivik—who believed he was participating in a war—is insane. However, a line of defense has not yet been chosen, the BBC reports. According to the AP, the lawyer says Breivik believes his "operation" is proceeding according to plan, and that he is not aware of the death toll or the public outcry. He also says Breivik took drugs to stay "strong, efficient, awake" during the attacks. (More Anders Behring Breivik stories.)

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