Anders Breivik, Oslo Killer, Declared Insane: Will he Escape Jail?

Norwegian mass-murderer Anders Behring Breivik was and is insane, two psychiatrists told the Oslo District Court on Tuesday.

Psychiatrists Synne Sørheim and Torgeir Husby have concluded that Breivik suffers from paranoid schizophrenia and was in a psychotic state when he killed 77 people and injured 151 during the July 22 attacks in Oslo.

Breivik has already admitted to the murders, but has pled not guilty to the charges, insinuating instead that his actions were done during a state of war. As outlined in the 1,500-page manifesto he published immediately before bombing Norway's government headquarters, Breivik considers himself a crusader in a war against Muslims and immigrants in Europe.

The psychiatrists determined that Breivik lives in his own delusional universe where all his thoughts and acts are guided by his delusions, a statement which is certainly supported by the manifesto, titled 2083: A European Declaration of Independence. Breivik created an imaginary army that he called The Knights Templar after the legendary crusaders, complete with uniforms, badges, medals, insignia, and epaulets, and he created a rank and file for a military that doesn't exist.

At his first public hearing earlier this month, Breivik launched into a prepared speech, stating I am a military commander in the Norwegian resistance movement, before being cut off by Judge Torkjel Nesheim.

Breivik has also repeatedly stated that he was just one of dozens of extremist cells who were plotting to expel Muslims and cultural Marxists from Europe. Despite his documented attempts to contact right-wing European groups, police have yet to find any real connections and believe Breivik acted alone.

The new psychiatric report counters statements made by both Judge Nesheim and Breivik's own lawyers, who have stated in previous court appearances that Breivik is not insane.

The report will be reviewed by the Norwegian Board of Forensic Medicine. If Breivik's alleged insanity if confirmed, it will change how his trial and sentencing will proceed. An insanity plea could potential keep Breivik out of prison and send him instead into psychiatric care.

What will happen in the case, no matter what the conclusion, is that he (Breivik) will of course be incarcerated, John Christian Elden, a lawyer for the victims of the Oslo massacre, stated.

And if the outcome is criminally sane or insane, that is, first and foremost a psychiatric question. The most important thing in our clients' opinion is that he will not be able to walk the streets.