Wednesday, 27 July 2011

Aussies show support for Norway victims

At least 76 lives have been claimed by the blast in central Oslo and the shootings at a youth camp on the island of Utøya - over which a man, Anders Breivik, faces terrorism charges.

The 32-year-old suspect has confessed to the attacks, according to Norwegian police - but they say Breivik does not accept criminal responsibility.

"I think anyone watching the scenes over the weekend couldn't help but be moved at the sheer scale of terror caused by this particular individual," Belfast Lord Mayor Niall Ó Donnghaile said.

He added that the book was a "very small, very modest way for the people of Belfast to send their solidarity to the people of Norway and their sympathy to those so many people tragically affected over the weekend".

It has since emerged that the step-brother of Crown Princess Mette-Marit was among those killed in the massacre at the youth camp - the royal court confirmed that Trond Berntsen, an off-duty police officer, had died in the attack.

No other victims have yet been named, as the search for more bodies continues.

Mr Ó Donnghaile said it was important to support all those who had been affected.

Ahead of Breivik's court appearance on Monday afternoon, his lawyer Geir Lippestad said that his client wanted to attack Norwegian society in order to change it.

The accused had prepared a speech for his day in court, even before launching the attacks that left Norway reeling. He requested an open hearing in which he would wear a uniform, making clear in an online manifesto that he planned to turn his appearance into theatre.

But Breivik, who wanted to start a revolution to inspire Norwegians to retake their country from Muslims and other immigrants, has been denied the global airing of his views.

Ruling that he would appear before a closed court, with the press and public denied access, Judge Kim Heger said: "It is clear that there is concrete information that a public hearing with the suspect present could quickly lead to an extraordinary and very difficult situation in terms of the investigation and security.

The book will pass on messages to families of the 76 victims of Anders Behring Breivik's bombing attack in Oslo and shooting spree later on Utoya Island at a Norwegian Labour Party youth camp.

Mr Rudd knows Norway well and said he had always found it an "extraordinarily peaceful and tolerant land".

"That is why this act of mass murder is so unspeakable given the country ... has nurtured such liberty and freedom over the years," he said.

Norwegian Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Store told Mr Rudd he would pass on the Australian expressions of solidarity during his daily visits to the hospitals of Oslo to speak with survivors of the mass murder.

Mr Rudd praised the strength of leadership shown by Mr Store and Norway's prime minister, Jens Stoltenberg, during this "horrific time.

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