Norwegian Mass Killer Breivik Attends Parole Hearing With “Z” Shaved on Head and Neo-Nazi Rhetoric

Norwegian mass killer Anders Behring Breivik, sentenced to 21 years in prison for the 2011 killing of 77 people in Norway, appeared in court for a hearing on his parole request with the letter "Z" shaved into his head. Breivik also brought a handmade poster expressing support for China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.

Breivik delivered a brief speech, making a “white power” gesture, and displayed a poster with neo-Nazi messages and conspiracy theories about European ethnic groups losing their land. He also voiced support for a Swedish neo-Nazi group.

Breivik had the letter "Z" shaved into his head, a symbol associated with Russia's war in Ukraine.

Under Norwegian law, Breivik, now 45, is entitled to a parole hearing after serving 10 years of his maximum 21-year sentence.

Since beginning his prison sentence in 2012, Breivik has been held in isolation and has repeatedly argued that his treatment constitutes inhumane punishment under the European Convention on Human Rights. However, courts have consistently dismissed his claims.

“I apologize to everyone affected, all liberals, and ask for forgiveness for all suffering. I have not been a militant for 13 years. Being radicalized is not an intentional act. I strongly distance myself from the so-called manifesto and would not do the same again,” Breivik said.

The public prosecutor's office argued that releasing Breivik now poses an imminent risk of him committing serious offenses.