Norway Killer Breivik Pleads Not Guilty, Cries While Watching His Own Propaganda Film

Far-right extremist Anders Behring Breivik Monday admitted to the act of mass massacre in Norway but pleaded not guilty to the criminal charges, claiming he was acting in self-defense, CBS News reported.

The first day of the long-awaited trial saw dramatic moments as the right wing fanatic Breivik said that he didn't recognize the authority of the court. Presenting himself as a writer, Breivik said, I do not recognize the Norwegian court. You have received your mandate from political parties which support multiculturalism, Reuters reported. He refused to stand when the judges entered.

Breivik said he had committed the massacre in self-defense. I acknowledge the acts but not criminal guilt as I claim self-defense, he said.

Breivik , 33, said the attacks were necessary to protect Norway from being taken over by Muslims and he targeted the Olso centre and youth camp of the Labor party to hit against the Left-leaning government for allowing immigration in Norway, CBS news report said.

In twin attacks in Oslo city centre and Utoya last July, Breivik killed 77 people. He set off a car bomb at Oslo center that killed 8 people, and then he shot 69 people dead at a Labour Party's Summer Youth Camp.

Breivik was brought to the court in handcuffs which was removed shortly after he was seated. He gave a far right salute and smirked several times, Reuters reported.

The judge went ahead with the procedures and listed the names of all 69 people killed in the Utoeya summer camp while Breivik listened stone-faced and silent. According to the Reuters report, tears rolled out of his eyes when the judge showed an anti- Muslim video which he had made.

The purpose of the 10-week trial is to determine whether Breivik is sane or not. Breivik claimed earlier that he was sane and he didn't regret his acts. He apparently has said that his only regret is that he couldn't kill more people, according to the reports.

If proved insane, he will be sent to the psychiatric care or else he can get a maximum prison sentence for 21 years, which can be extended if the inmate is considered to be in danger to the society.

The sensitive case has raised concerns that the extremist killer might use the trial platform to spread his ideology and to grab international attention.