Breivik insists he ‘acted alone’ and stays silent on potential links

THE man who killed 77 people in a bomb attack and shooting spree in Norway maintains he acted alone and stayed silent when pressed about potential associates in a 10-hour interrogation, police said.

“The questions he won’t answer [concerned] people that he might have had any cooperation with, like for instance that he bought something illegal from,” police prosecutor Christian Hatlo said.

He described Wednesday’s questioning as “more confrontational” in tone than two previous sessions since Anders Behring Breivik’s arrest.

He said Breivik, 32, told police he was alone during the July 22 attack. Breivik admitted detonating a fertiliser bomb in Oslo before driving 45km to Utoya island to kill those at a Labour Party youth camp.

“He told about his travelling abroad and about firms that he has had some connection with, and we have to check that out,” said Hatlo, adding police were investigating trips by Breivik to more than 10 countries.

He said Breivik had not flinched from the “calm” demeanour he has exhibited since the attack.

The right-wing Norwegian wrote in a 1,500-page manifesto that he intended to spark a cultural war in Europe that would turn back Islamic immigration.

Norwegian media, quoting Breivik’s court-appointed defender, Geir Lippestad, said Breivik had posed outlandish demands as a condition for saying more about like-minded “cells” he claims exist in Europe, including a television appearance and the resignation of Norway’s government.

“I can confirm he has some crazy demands that you can’t take seriously,” said Hatlo.

He said Breivik has “struggled with isolation” in solitary confinement and would be given a computer without Internet access. “He just wants to write,” said Hatlo.

While police play down the likelihood of a network of extremists, the latest round of questioning has not ruled that out.

Former prime minister Gro Harlem Brundtland yesterday recalled speaking with youngsters at Utoya island before leaving on a boat hours before Breivik’s slaughter.

“I remember hundreds of happy and optimistic young people on that Friday,” she said. “I see their young faces before me constantly.

“That day will forever stand as one of the darkest days in Norwegian history, which we’ll carry with us as long as we live.”