Utøya island shooting victims return to scene of Breivik’s killing spree

Norwegian investigators accompany about 500 people to see where rightwing extremist killed 69 at summer camp Survivors of the gun attack which claimed the lives of 69 people last month on the Norwegian island of Utøya revisited the massacre scene on Friday in the company of families and friends of those who died. About 500 people visited the island in light rain. As many as 1,500 people are expected to visit over the weekend, including the Norwegian prime minister, Jens Stoltenberg. Emilie Bersaas, 19, who survived the attack on the island youth camp, told Sky News she has avoided thinking about the man who admitted responsibility for the attacks, rightwing extremist Anders Behring Breivik: “Mostly I don’t want to because I don’t think he deserves my thoughts… I would rather that my friends who are not here today get my thoughts.” Norway’s general director of health, Bjørn-Inge Larsen, said he hoped the visits would help relatives with their grieving: “In the long run, we know that seeing the scene of where these murders were taking place is actually helpful.” The bereaved visitors are being told the exact circumstances in which their loved ones died by investigators. Psychologists and clergymen are on the island to offer support. As the visits got under way on Friday, the Norwegian prosecutor said a rightwing English blogger named in Breivik’s rambling “manifesto” would be questioned next week as part of the investigation. Paal-Fredrik Hjort Kraby told the Associated Press that Paul Ray, who used go by the name of Paul Sonato, was coming to Norway voluntarily. “He is mentioned as a mentor in Breivik’s manifesto, so it’s natural to question him about that,” said Kraby. Ray, who lives in Malta, said last month he never had any dealings with Breivik and condemned the massacre. Kraby said: “Ray is concerned about clearing his name when it comes to being a mentor.” Breivik’s 1,500-page document posted online before the attacks said his action was an attempt at cultural revolution. He claimed to be a member of the Knights Templar, which he portrayed as a network of modern-day crusaders who would launch a revolution against a Europe spoiled by Muslim immigration. On Friday, a court extended by four weeks the detention in solitary confinement of Breivik, who confessed to killing 69 people in the shooting rampage and eight people in a bombing in Oslo. The Oslo district court ruled he must be kept in complete isolation because of fears he would tamper with evidence and contact possible accomplices. Judge Hugo Abelseth acknowledged Breivik had described his isolation as “boring and monotonous, and a sadistic torture method,” but said he must nonetheless spend at least four more weeks there. Survivors and victims, who were not allowed into the court hearing, were represented by lawyers. Breivik could face a 21-year prison sentence if found guilty of terrorism charges, but that could be extended indefinitely if he is still deemed to pose a threat to the public. On Sunday, a month of mourning for the 77 people who died in the attacks will end with a national memorial service at Oslo Spektrum arena. Anders Behring Breivik Norway Europe Hannah Godfrey guardian.co.uk

Posted by on August 19, 2011. Filed under News, Politics, World News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.