BBC News - Norway's justice system faces severe test
"Rehabilitation of convicted felons is central to Norway's criminal justice system, which is one of the most progressive in Europe.
That system now faces a severe test, as it must consider the possibility of rehabilitating Anders Behring Breivik, the self-confessed perpetrator of last week's twin terror attacks.
Norwegians have in recent days responded to the prime minister's plea of answering Friday's brutal violence with more democracy.
They have turned out in their tens of thousands carrying flowers, united in defiance of someone who wanted to divide Norwegian society.
Mr Breivik has confessed to the attacks but not pleaded guilty Complete isolation
On Wednesday that sentiment was echoed by the man now in charge of guarding Mr Breivik, who has started his initial eight-week custodial sentence.
Knut Bjarkeid, prison governor at Ila prison, told Norway's largest tabloid VG: "This task will be a professional challenge. We must take care of him in a human way."
Mr Breivik will spend four weeks in complete isolation in a cell containing nothing but a bed, a toilet, a table and a chair.
That will be relaxed for the remaining four weeks, but he will still be allowed no access to letters, newspapers or other media. Police can then approach the courts to ask for further detention if investigations are still ongoing.
While in custody he will be assessed by two forensic psychologists.
This work could take up to three months. If he is found to be of unsound mind he could be consigned to closed psychiatric care."
No comments:
Post a Comment