Suspect in Norway attacks bought chemicals, tools on eBay

As the dust settles on last week’s killing of 77 people in bombing and shooting attacks in Norway, the issue now facing Europe’s security authorities is overspill.

Will Anders Breivik’s massacre prove a call to arms for the far right of radical Christian fundamentalism?

Between information listed in Breivik’s online manifesto and further tracing of his movements, the Norwegian authorities have ascertained that he had extensive cont a c t s with ot h e r European individuals with far-right tendencies.

But while it seems that he discussed ideology and planning with these men, authorities believe that he orchestrated his act of terror more or less on his own.

The problem now is that his manifesto may act as a manual for radicalisation of the far right, as well as a ‘‘how-to’’ guide for the single terrorist.

The most difficult aspect of the operation for Breivik was the bombing in Oslo. Despite his careful amassing of a large amount of explosives - 950 kilogrammes of ammonia nitrate - he did not manage to kill more than eight people and did not demolish any buildings.

In more experienced hands, such a quantity of explosive material could have killed many more people and caused considerably more damage to infrastructure.

This means that law enforcement and intelligence agencies must now start to focus more on the ‘‘how’’ of terrorist attacks, rather than the ‘‘why’’, if they are to prevent them. In the recent past, racial and ethnic profiling was used extensively in an effort to contain terrorism.

However, a clever and adaptable terrorist or grouping will always try to circumvent this by turning such profiling on its head.

Richard Reid, the Briton who attempted to detonate a shoe-bomb on an American plane, was a convert to radicalism and did not come from a typical Islamic background.

And as Breivik has proved, there will always be the potential for individuals who have no outward connection to anything sinister to have their heads turned by obscure and dangerous ideologies.

National authorities will therefore have to adapt their anti-terrorism strategies.

While the Israelis have led the way in terms of monitoring websites and making contact with recruiting sergeants for radical groups, other governments will now have to devote more time and attention to who has the material and knowledge necessary to carry out acts of terrorism.

The Sunday Telegrah also said that Breivik, under the username "andrewbrei," used eBay to order a drill press vice, a full-face respirator and a "hazmat" suit.

In addition to the Oslo bombing, Breivik is accused of opening fire on Utoya Island, killing 69 people on July 22.

EBay Inc did not respond directly to the Sunday Telegraph report, but released a statement that made reference to the Norway attacks and said that the company is working with local authorities.

"We are deeply saddened by the recent events in Oslo and our thoughts are with the victims and families involved in this horrific incident. eBay and PayPal coordinate regularly with law enforcement around the world and we are assisting Norwegian law enforcement in their investigation," the company statement said.

An eBay spokewoman declined to comment further, citing an "ongoing criminal investigation."

Breivik, who is being held in solitary confinement at Ila Prison, near Oslo, mentioned eBay repeatedly in his purported 1,500-page manifesto that rants against Muslims and lays out meticulous plans to prepare for the attacks.

The author of the manifesto described how he used eBay to procure various items, some of which were not discovered during the Sunday Telegraph investigation, suggesting Breivik could have had more than one eBay account, the newspaper reported.

"Ebay is not the best place to look as it is mostly civilian body armour available. But now and then, some inexperienced sellers simply make a mistake and list high grade mil spec armour and some times, Ebay is unable to stop the auction in time, which allows you to 'swoop in and pick it up' with a winning bid. I finally managed to buy 2000 USD worth of plates," the manifesto author wrote.

At another place in the manifesto, the author told his readers: "Ebay is your friend."

Breivik has admitted carrying out the bombing in Oslo and the shootings on Utoya, his lawyer and a judge have said. He has also pleaded not guilty in court.

The attack on Utoya targeted members of the Norway Labour Party's youth movement as they attended a summer camp.

Norwegian authorities completed the identification of the dead last week, releasing the names of all 77. Their ages ranged from 14 to 61.

Week later, Norway mourns 77 victims of massacre

Horrific events in Norway this past weekend provide yet another powerful teachable moment in the ongoing and increasingly dangerous saga of religion becoming lethal. The murderous rampage by Anders Behring Breivik brings several important lessons more clearly into view.

First, religion is an extraordinarily powerful and pervasive force in human society. Throughout history, people within various religions have been motivated to their highest and noblest best actions. At the same time, some of the worst things human beings have done to one another have been done in the name of or justified by religion. Religion is a powerful force inspiring constructive and destructive behavior among believers.

Second, we live in a world with many weapons of mass destruction. Quite apart from the horrors associated with chemical, nuclear or biological weapons, we now know that a devious plan can utilize automatic weapons, fertilizer, box knives and commercial airplanes as weapons of mass destruction. Attacking a summer camp for youth vividly reminds us that there are many ways people bent on doing great harm can accomplish their goal.

Third, we now know with certainty that it doesn't take many people to wreak havoc on a wide scale. Breivik may have acted alone or within a small circle of cohorts, as did Timothy McVeigh. Nineteen men carried out the attacks of Sept. 11. Small numbers of zealots who are convinced they know what God wants for them and for everyone else are capable of almost anything.

After a funeral service in the Nesodden church outside the capital, Bano Rashid, a Kurdish immigrant from Iraq, was buried in a Muslim rite. Sobbing youth accompanied her coffin, which was draped in a Kurdish flag.

The attack will "not destroy Norway's commitment to democracy, tolerance and fighting racism," Labor Party youth-wing leader Eskil Pedersen said at a memorial service in Oslo.

Pedersen, who was on the island retreat of Utoya when the gunman's attack began, said: "Long before he stands before a court we can say: he has lost."

Pedersen said the youth organization would return to Utoya next year for its annual summer gathering, a tradition that stretches back decades.

Members of the audience raised bouquets of flowers as each speaker took the stage, and some of them fought back tears as they spoke.

Later, Stoltenberg spoke at a Muslim memorial service in Gronland, an immigrant neighborhood in Oslo. The prime minister called for unity across ethnic and religious lines, a message he has repeated many times since the attacks.

Breivik, a vehement anti-Muslim, was questioned by police Friday for the second time since surrendering to an anti-terror squad on Utoya, where his victims lay strewn across the shore and in the water. Many were teens who were gunned down as they tried to flee the onslaught.

In a 1,500-page manifesto released just before the attacks, Breivik ranted about Europe being overrun by Muslim immigrants and blamed left-wing political forces for making the continent multicultural.

Police attorney Paal-Fredrik Hjort Kraby said the Breivik remained calm and cooperative during the questioning session, in which investigators reviewed with him his statements from an earlier session on Saturday. Investigators believe Breivik acted alone, after years of meticulous planning, and haven't found anything to support his claims that he's part of an anti-Muslim militant network plotting a series of coups d'etat across Europe.

Police also said they have identified all of the victims, 68 of whom were killed on the island and eight who died after a car bomb exploded in downtown Oslo. Breivik has confessed to both attacks but denies criminal guilt because he believes he's in a state of war, his lawyer and police have said.

Police have charged Breivik with terrorism, which carries a maximum sentence of 21 years in prison. However, it's possible the charge will change during the investigation to crimes against humanity, which carries a 30-year prison term, Norway's top prosecutor Tor-Aksel Busch told The Associated Press.

"Such charges will be considered when the entire police investigation has been finalized," he said. "It is an extensive investigation. We will charge Breivik for each individual killing."

Prosecutors can also seek a special kind of sentence that would enable the court to keep Breivik in prison indefinitely. A formal indictment isn't expected until next year, Busch said.

A weapons supplier in Norway confirmed his company sold device that enables quick loading of magazines for a rifle and four 30-round clips for a Glock 17 pistol to Breivik, who ordered the equipment online in November and December last year.

Flemming Mark Pedersen, owner of Capsicum Solutions AS, said the purchase was legal and there was no indication of what Breivik was up to.

"But just like the police officer who approved his (gun) license, the company that provided him with fertilizer and the firm that sold him diesel, we feel guilty to a certain level and wonder whether this could have been prevented in some way," Pedersen told The Associated Press.

Since the attacks, immigrants and ethnic Norwegians have come together in grief for the victims, and with disdain for the attacker and his motives. A sometimes divisive debate about immigration has been put aside.

So many roses have been placed at makeshift memorials around Oslo and other Norwegian cities that domestic suppliers cannot keep up with demand. The government has suspended a tax on foreign roses to allow for more imports between July 26 and Aug. 2, Norwegian news agency NTB reported.

Utoya massacre

Approximately one and a half hours after the Oslo explosion, a man wearing a police uniform, confirmed to be Anders Behring Breivik, boarded a ferry at Tyrifjorden, a lake some 40 kilometres (25 miles) northwest of Oslo, to the island of Utøya, the location of the Norwegian Labour Party's annual AUF youth summer camp, which is organised there every summer and which was attended by approximately 600 teenagers.

Former prime minister Gro Harlem Brundtland, whom Breivik said he hated and referred to in his writings as "the murderer of the nation, had been on the island earlier in the day to give a speech to the camp. After the attack Breivik stated that he originally wanted to target her especially; but because of delays related to the ongoing renovation of Oslo Central railway station, she was already gone when the shooting started.

When Breivik arrived on the island, he presented himself as a police officer who had come over for a routine check following the bombing event in Oslo. He signalled and asked people to gather around him before pulling weapons and ammunition from a bag and indiscriminately firing his weapons, killing and wounding numerous people. He first shot people on the island and later started shooting at people who were trying to escape by swimming across the lake. Survivors on the island described a scene of terror. In one example, 21-year-old survivor Dana Berzingi described how several victims wounded by Breivik pretended to be dead to survive; but he later came by to shoot them again in the head with a shotgun.[61] He did relent in his executions on two occasions: First, when an 11-year-old boy who had just lost his father during the shooting, stood up against him and said he was too young to die; and later, when a 22-year-old male begged for his life.[65]

A spokesman for the National Police Directorate under the Ministry of Justice and the Police reported that most of the casualties were youths about 15 or 16 years old. Trond Berntsen, an off-duty, unarmed police officer and step-brother of Norway's crown princess Mette-Marit, was among the dead. Some witnesses on the island were reported to have hidden in the undergrowth, and in lavatories, communicating by text message to avoid giving their positions away to the gunman. The mass shooting reportedly lasted for around an hour and a half, ending when a police special task force arrived and the gunman surrendered, despite having ammunition left, at 18:35. It is also reported that the shooter used hollow-point or frangible bullets (dum-dums) which increase tissue damage.

Local residents in a flotilla of little motorboats and fishing dinghies bravely sailed out to rescue the survivors who were pulled out shivering and bleeding from the water and picked up from hiding places in the bushes and behind rocks around the island's shoreline. Some survived by pretending to be dead. 47 of the campers sought refuge in Skolestua ("the School House") together with personnel from the Norwegian People's Aid. Although Breivik shot two bullets through the door, he did not get through the locked door, and the people inside this building survived.

Utoya

Utøya,ˈʉːtœʏɑ, is an island in the Tyrifjorden lake in Hole municipality, in the county of Buskerud, Norway. The island is 10.6 hectares (26 acres), situated 500 metres (1,600 ft) off the shore, by the E16 road, 38 kilometres (24 mi) driving distance north-west of Oslo city centre.

Utøya is owned by the Workers' Youth League (Arbeidernes ungdomsfylking, AUF), the youth wing of the Labour Party, which holds an annual summer camp there. The island was given as a commemorative gift by Oslo Trade Union Confederation on August 28, 1950, but also serves as a camp site for other events, including other organizations' summer camps. The island is operated commercially by Utøya AS.

The island is largely forested, with some open spaces. A small pier on the east side of the island is used to ferry people to and from the mainland. There are also permanent buildings. Hovedhuset ("The Main House"), Stabburet ("The Hórreo"), and Låven ("The Barn") are located together near the dock. Up on the hillside (LO-toppen) are the main campgrounds, the cafeteria building, and the sanitary building. Skolestua The school house is located further south.

Name

The first element is ut 'out, outermost'; the last element is the finite form of øy, 'island'. Utøya is the southernmost island in the lake of Tyrifjorden.

2011 shooting

On 22 July 2011, a mass shooting took place at the AUF's summer camp, where 650 young people were staying. A man dressed as a police officer, identified by Norwegian media as Anders Behring Breivik, arrived on Utøya, telling those on the island that he was there for security reasons following the explosions in Oslo which took place a few hours before. He then began shooting at individuals, continuing until the police arrived one hour after the first alarm call. Breivik immediately surrendered. Combined, the attacks in Oslo and Utøya left 76 dead, with 68 killed on the island.

Police probe claim Norwegian gunman marched with English Defence League

Father of Anders Behring Breivik, the man allegedly responsible for the Norway atrocities, has said that he wished his son had committed suicide.

Jens Breivik, 76, who is currently staying in a villa in France under armed guard, has said, “I don't feel like his father. How could he just stand there and kill so many innocent people and just seem to think that what he did was OK? He should have taken his own life, too. That's what he should have done.”

He added: “I will have to live with this shame for the rest of my life. People will always link me with him.”

Breivik’s parents were not close with him; Jens last spoke to his son 10 years ago by telephone, and his stepmother Wanda, 71, has never even met him.

They had planned to return to Norway, however, they have decided to stay away for the moment due to the media pressure surrounding them and their relationship with Breivik.

Wanda Breivik has described how she has not slept “a wink since his arrest”, and has told of the trauma she and his father have experienced at the tragic events.

Last year's march, although tense, passed without incident. Northumbria Police Chief Supt Graham Smith said at the time: 'It has been a great success. It has passed without incident.

'Newcastle is a city for peace and the aim of today was to allow peaceful protests which we have demonstrated is possible through careful planning.'

Appearance: Anders Behring Breivik pictured leaving an Oslo court house after his first hearing

On Friday, Breivik, 32, set off a car bomb in the centre of Oslo that killed eight people, before travelling to an Utoya island, massacring 68 teenagers attending a Labour summer camp.

A leading North-East member of the organisation Unite Against Fascism said it was no surprise to him that security sources were aware of Breivik's activity in this country.

He said he had been on a counter demonstration to the EDL march.

He said: 'It is alleged he (Breivik) has contacts with about 600 EDL contacts in Britain. Given that is the case, it is highly likely he will have had contacts with people in the North-East.

'Given that the travel links with the North-East and Norway are better than anywhere else other than London, I am not surprised that he attended here.

'The EDL and other far right organisations do operate internationally - they see themselves as almost Crusaders.'

The English Defence League has issued a statement insisting that it has never had any official contact with Breivik and that there was no evidence that he ever registered as a supporter on the EDL Facebook page.

But today anti-fascist organisation Searchlight claimed Breivik was told he would be welcome at their UK demonstrations, to which he replied: 'I hoped so: it’s our common struggle against the islamofascists.'

Breivik used the internet pseudonym 'Sigurd Jorsalfare', a 12th century King of Norway who led one of the crusades, to communicate online with supporters of the EDL and told them: 'You’re a blessing to all in Europe.'

Only a few days before Friday’s attacks the messages to EDL supporters stopped as he began the final countdown to his massacre.

Searchlight's editor Nick Lowles told the Evening Standard: 'This proves conclusively Breivik was in contact with the EDL, shared their aims and objectives and expressed a desire to join them on their demonstration.

'It is quite clear that the Home Office now need to classify the EDL as an extremist Right-wing organisation and to devote similar resources to monitoring their activities as they would other extremist groups.'

In the online messages Breivik wrote: 'To you all good English men and women, just wanted to say that you’re a blessing to all in Europe, in these dark times all of Europe are looking to you in search of inspiration, courage and even hope that we might turn this evil trend with Islamisation all across our continent.

'Well, just wanted to say keep up the good work it’s good to see others that care about their country and heritage.'

In another posting Breivik claims he visited Bradford with a friend 'some years ago'.

He wrote: 'I’ve seen with my own eyes what has happened to england, i was in bradford some years ago, me and a friend walked down to the football stadium of bradford, real ‘nice’ neighborhood, same thing in the suburbs of London.'

One EDL supporter then wrote to Breivik: 'Bravo, admire your views and courage. no surrender and welcome.'

Yesterday, as Breivik admitted the killings but pleaded not guilty to criminal responsibility in a closed hearing, Prime Minister David Cameron said the gunman's links to this country were being investigated 'extremely seriously'.

In a rambling 1,500-page manifesto Breivik posted online shortly before the attacks, he said that he was acting alone, but had been recruited to the radical cause by two English rightwing extremists at a meeting in the UK in 2002.

He wrote: 'I used to have more than 600 EDL members as Facebook friends and have spoken with tens of EDL members and leaders.

Breivik also referred to the BNP 23 times in his manifesto.

The EDL, which has risen to prominence over the last two years with its anti-Islamist protests, has denied 'any official contact' with the killer.

Breivik was placed on a Norwegian security watch list in March after his name was linked to the purchase of chemicals from a Polish supplier.

But the head of Norway's police intelligence agency said they had not followed it up because he had only bought £11 worth of the chemicals.

Mr Cameron, who yesterday discussed the massacre with security chiefs and senior ministers at a meeting of the National Security Council, said: 'We are still investigating these claims, so I don't want to give out partial information.

'We want to get to the bottom of this before making public announcements. But we take these things extremely seriously.'

Cameron, who was at the Norwegian Embassy in London to sign a book of condolences, added: 'Everyone in Britain shares in the sorrow and the anger at the despicable killings that took place on Friday.

'Britain and Norway have been good allies and neighbours in very dark days before. We know that the resilience and the courage and the decency of our Norwegian friends will overcome this act.

'After such a dreadful event the British Government must of course review our own security at home.'

The Evening Standard also reported that Searchlight has revealed that a millionaire computer engineer living in north London is a backer of the EDL.

Alan Lake, 45, is said to have admitted providing funds to the organisation and is alleged to have posed online this week, in reference to the twin attacks: 'The chickens have actually come home to roost.' Mr Lake could not be reached for comment today.

Norway Terror: Who Is Prime Suspect Anders Behring Breivik

32-year-old man suspected of committing Friday's bombing and shooting in Norway appeared at an initial court hearing on Monday.

Anders Behring Breivik will be remanded in custody for eight weeks. For the first four weeks, he will be held in isolation with no contact to other people, mail services, or sources of media.

Monday's hearing was held behind closed doors. Afterward, Judge Kim Heger addressed reporters and read out the court's decision, including a few statements from the hearing made by Breivik.

Heger, speaking through an interpreter, said Breivik had "acknowledged the bomb explosion in the government quarter and the shooting at Utoeya." However, this was not an admission of guilt, as "the accused believed [he] needed to carry out these acts to save Norway and Western Europe" from, among other things, Marxism and Islam.

Part of the motive, according to Heger's account of Breivik's statements in the hearing, appeared to be a desire to send a strong message to Norway's Labor party regarding its immigrant policy. The youth camp where the shooting took place is affiliated with the Labor party.

Breivik has said he acted alone, but according to his statements on Monday, he claimed that there were "two more cells in our organization," which Heger said required more investigation.

It is believed that the bombing in Oslo was targeting the office of Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg. He was not harmed in the attacks, although seven others died in the bombing and more than 15 seriously injured.

Hours after that first attack, Breivik, dressed as a police officer entered a youth camp on Utoya Island. He allegedly told camp leaders that he was there on a routine check as a security precaution following the Oslo bombings earlier in the day. However, once given access to the camp he started mercilessly killing everyone in sight.

Acting Chief of Police, Sveinung Sponheim has said that Breivik was seen in Oslo prior to the explosions there.

Police reported: “The police have every reason to believe there is a connection between the explosions and what happened at Utoya.

The suspected killer was originally raised in Oslo and unconfirmed reports have said that he attended the same school as Norway's crown prince, Smestad Primary School.

He chose to be baptized into the Protestant Church at the age of 15, but over recent years has grown weary of the state of the modern Church. In one blog posted in 2009 he wrote: “Today's Protestant church is a joke. Priests in jeans who march for Palestine and churches that look like minimalist shopping centres. I am a supporter of an indirect collective conversion of the Protestant church back to the Catholic.”

Neighbors have reported that they often saw him in “military style clothing”, and some have commented on his love for violent video games.

Breivik wanted to be an entrepreneur and had tried to start a number of new companies. However, he was not successful; and each company was quickly dissolved soon after being established.

In2009 he created his latest business – the farm business that allowed him to purchase huge amounts of fertilizer. He has posted on one blog that this business had the purpose to help support his political activities.

EDL denies links to Norwegian gunman Anders Breivik

The Prime Minister has asked the security services and police to consider their scrutiny of groups such as the English Defence League and report any concerns or recommendations to the Government’s National Security Council (NSC).

Broader issues such as the licensing of firearms and the supply of ammunition and fertilisers which can be used for bombs will also be scrutinised.

Security officials have been asked to study contingency plans to ensure that adequate measures are in place to react to any “copycat” shooting spree by an extremist in this country.

The Prime Minister ordered the urgent work yesterday morning at a meeting of the NSC which was dominated by discussions over the Norwegian atrocity.

Experts from Scotland Yard have already travelled to Norway to help with the investigation.

Britain and Spain have both been victims of horrific acts of terrorism in the past and I know that both of us will be offering every support that we can to Norway in the days ahead.”

Mr Cameron added: “Britain has already provided police assistance and will continue to offer our expertise and our moral support.

“Britain and Norway have been good allies and neighbours in very dark days before. We know that the resilience and the courage and the decency of our Norwegian friends will overcome this evil.After such a dreadful event the British government must of course review our own security at home and that is what the National Security Council started to do this morning when we met.”

Mr Cameron denied that Britain had been “complacent” about the threat of Right-wing extremism, pointing out that it was mentioned in the Government’s official terrorism strategy and in a speech he made on the issue in Munich in February.

English Defence League (EDL) has defended claims that Anders Breivik, who has admitted carrying out Friday's shooting and bomb attacks in Norway, had links to the organisation.

Mr Breivik posted supportive messages about the organisation online and claims to have had contact in the past with members of the EDL, but had distanced himself from them in his manifesto.

The leader of the EDL, Stephen Lennon - who also goes by the name of Tommy Robinson - denied that he had ever met Mr Breivik.

Speaking on Newsnight, he said he didn't believe the Norwegian had been on any of their demonstrations.

Breivik only united Norway

Self-described perpetrator of the mass killings in Norway told authorities there that he expects to spend the rest of his life in prison but two other cells in his terror network could still launch attacks, officials said Monday.

Anders Behring Breivik has admitted bombing Norway’s capital and opening fire on a political youth group retreat, but he entered a plea of not guilty, saying he acted to save Europe from Muslim immigration.

Prosecutor Christian Hatlo told reporters that Breivik was very calm and "seemed unaffected by what has happened." He said Breivik told investigators during his interrogation that he never expected to be released.

Breivik alluded to two other "cells" in a network he describes as a new Knights Templar, the medieval crusaders who protected Christian pilgrims in the Holy Land. At one point, a manifesto he released shortly before the attack briefly refers to an intention to contact two other cells — a term he says refers to "small, autonomous groups" led by individual commanders.

Police announced, meanwhile, that they had dramatically overcounted the number of people slain in a shooting spree at a political youth group’s island retreat and were lowering the confirmed death toll from 86 to 68.

The overall toll in the attack now stands at 76 instead of 93. Police spokesman Oystein Maeland said that higher, erroneous figure emerged as police and rescuers were focusing on helping survivors and securing the area, but he did not immediately explain more about how the overcounting occurred.

judge has said the 32-year-old Norwegian admitted carrying out the bombing and shooting, saying they were necessary to prevent the "colonization" of the country by Muslims, while explaining that he targeted the Labour Party because of their "treason" for promoting multiculturalism.

"He is an exception, he is an extremist, who doesn't speak for the rest of the country."

Terje Korsnes, Honorary Consul of Norway in Massachusetts, says the majority of Norwegians do not share Breivik's views about Muslims or the Labour Party.

"In a political sense I don't think it is about the Labour Party, it might have been in his mind, but in the minds of the people of Norway, it definitely is not."

But he says immigration is relatively new in Norway, possibly causing some growing pains in a country that sometimes seems isolated from the rest of the world.

"It's only in the last two or three decades that immigration has grown in Norway."

"In Europe in particular they see the immigration of Muslims as something with a question mark, with concerns."

Imam Talal Eid with the Islamic Institute of Boston says despite education about religious differences around the world, there will always be people who harbor hatred for another group.

"I do understand that enough number of non-Muslims have in their mind the wrong impression about Islam, and Muslims at the same time.

Confessed terror suspect held in jail

Oslo— It was supposed to be a defining moment for Norwegian terror suspect Anders Behring Breivik.

He'd hoped that the first hearing Monday into last week's twin attacks would be televised live by the world's media. He wanted to dress in a uniform to defend his actions as part of a bid to trigger an anti-Islamic revolution in Europe.

But to his disappointment, Breivik was neither seen nor heard in court. A Norwegian judge ruled the proceedings should be held behind closed doors, siding with government prosecutors who are increasingly nervous about giving the suspect a forum to expose his radical views.

Inside the courtroom, Breivik was formally charged with violating Norway's anti-terrorism laws and remanded to solitary confinement for the next four weeks.

During a news briefing after the hearing, Judge Kim Heger said Breivik confessed to the attacks — which police now say killed 76 people, revised down from previous reports of 93 — but pleaded not guilty to the terrorism charges, justifying his actions as part of an anti-Muslim campaign.

He also claimed to be working with two other cells, although previously police said he told them he worked alone.

Norwegian officials said Monday it remains unclear whether Breivik is part of a wider conspiracy or is a lone megalomaniac.

But as more is learned about Breivik — through friends, family and a 1,500-page manifesto he released on the Internet — it appears likely that he is relishing the attention now being focused on his life and ideas.

His manifesto, released shortly before Friday's mayhem, refers to the bombing in downtown Oslo and an hourlong shooting massacre at a youth political camp outing as a "marketing" tool designed to focus international attention on his extremist ideology.

"Unfortunately, I don't think he's crazy," said Peter Svaar, a childhood friend of Breivik's. "He's cold, intelligent and resourceful. He's playing us all like a piano."

Svaar, now a journalist at Norwegian broadcaster NRK, said he believes Breivik is only halfway through a carefully planned "ideological operation" to disseminate his "sick political analysis." He noted that in addition to the lengthy manifesto, Breivik also produced and released a 12-minute video now circulating on YouTube and a Facebook page that "basically serves as his press kit.

Monday’s custody hearing was closed to the press. The police had requested that it be held behind closed doors and the judge approved the request, to avoid giving Breivik a platform and, according the Norwegian Broadcasting (NRK), to prevent him from sending any signals to possible allies. The official reason, according to Irene Ram of the courthouse, was tied to security concerns and for the ongoing police investigation into the attacks and how they were carried out.

The closed hearing was also an illustration of a tradition of journalistic restraint in Norway, and was applauded by media professor Tore Slaatta at the University of Oslo. “Openness is an important principle, but this is not the day to ride on principles,” Slaatta told the website for Norway’s National Journalists’ Union NJ, journalisten.no.

“Right now it’s more important to see the realities here, that Breivik hsa a plan where he wants to continue to put himself forward as being clear and strong,” Slaatta said. “He shouldn’t be given an opportunity to do that. In this case it’s worse to let him have control, than to move away from our principles on openness.”

NRK reported that Breivik had wanted to wear some sort of military uniform to his court hearing on Monday, but wasn’t allowed to do so.

Rowdy crowd outside the courthouse

While the hearing was closed, it attracted a large gathering of media representatives and spectators outside the courthouse, which is located two blocks from the site of Friday’s bombings that heavily damaged Norway’s government complex and killed at least seven people. The crowd was rowdy, and angry.

One person shouted at Breivik’s defense attorney, Geir Lippestad, that he should tell his client “that he can burn in hell.” Another asked Lippestad “how can you defend him?” Lippestad was clearly uncomfortable as he arrived at the courthouse, according to NRK.

Norway has no death penalty so Breivik faces Norway’s maximum prison term of 21 years, but he may also be sentenced to what’s called “forvaring,” or protective custody, which can keep him locked up for the rest of his life. Forvaring is used in cases of particularly heinous crimes or when the defendant is psychologically unstable.

Breivik’s defense attorney, who said he took on the case because it’s an important democratic principle to have the right to a fair trial, already has called for a medical examination of Breivik and questioned whether he’s mentally fit to stand trial.

Ministry of Justice and the Police Norway

Royal Norwegian Ministry of Justice and the Police (Justis- og politidepartementet) is a Norwegian government ministry in charge of justice, police and domestic intelligence. The main purpose of the Ministry is to provide for the maintenance and development of the basic guarantees of the rule of law. An overriding objective is to ensure the security of society and of individual citizens.

The Minister of Justice is the head of the Ministry, and its political leader. The position is currently being held by Minister of Justice and the Police Knut Storberget from the Norwegian Labour Party. The Minister has currently two State Secretaries and a political adviser, who are all political appointees.

The ministry was founded in 1818 and currently employs about 270 people. 

National Police Directorate Norway

Politidirektoratet, or the National Police Directorate, is a Norwegian directorate unit under the Norwegian Ministry of Justice and Police, which manages and coordinates the national police "in order to ensure a predictable, efficient and flexible service for the benefit of the public". The Police Commissioner Ingelin Killengreen is head of the Norwegian police.

In Norway there is only one police force. The organisation of the Norwegian Police is largely based on the principle of an integrated police, that is that all the functions of the police are collected in one organisation.

Police misconduct in Norway

Police misconduct has become an issue of high media attention in Norway. The death of Eugene Ejike Obiora, a naturalized Norwegian of Nigerian origin in September 2006 stirred an uproar that as of September 2007 has caused the authorities to announce significant changes to the way charges of police brutality and other forms of police misconduct, including corruption, involving the Norwegian police will be handled in the future.

Statistics on police misconduct

The Special Unit for Police Affairs was established on January 1, 2005. In 2006 the unit received 904 complaints, of which 101 led to indictment. Of these 26 ended with the issuance of a fine. In 8 cases criminal charges were brought, in 64 decision was made to prosecute, and 3 cases were given "påtaleunnlatelse" (decision not to try the case despite a conclusion that a punishable offense has taken place). Four police officers alone were responsible for 63 of the 101 cases.

Noted cases

One officer employed in Oslo Police District, one of the four mentioned, was sentenced in 2006 to two years in prison for human trafficking, embezzlement of money and weapons, as well as theft of emergency passports.

Two cases were from Follo Police District (immediately south of Oslo). One officer was accused of having felt up a number of women during interrogations. He was acquitted on almost all charges by the regional court. Another officer had been accused of abuse of power during an arrest. This case is now receiving a subject to renewed trial in the regional court, ordered by the Supreme Court, after an initial acquittal at the lower court was appealed.

The fourth case involves a female officer from Telemark Police District who was issued a fine of 10.000 kroner and the loss of her employment for a period of five years for embezzlement and breach of confidentiality, among other issues.

In late June 2007 the Oslo daily newspaper Dagsavisen published an overview of police cases with a deadly outcome. The presentation showed the investigation into ten of the most serious cases which were concluded after the establishment of the Special Unit for Police Affairs on January 1, 2005. In all 10 cases, all charges against the police were eventually dropped.

In recent years, several police officers have been noted to be instrumental, on some occasions aware and intending, in several cases of miscarriage of justice. In the most prominent case, the one in the case against Fritz Moen, several officers appear to have manipulated timelines, threatened the accused and witnesses and made false statements in the intent to close the case. Several cases appear to have the same characteristics.

Police internal affairs investigations on the Internet

In mid-September 2007, the leader of the Special Unit for Police Affairs, Jan Egil Presthus, stated to the Oslo daily Dagsavisen that all investigations into police conduct in cases that have ended in deaths are going to be posted on the Internet. He states that total openness in this way will strengthen the publics confidence in the unit's integrity and ability to conduct its investigations impartially. This came following Dagsavisen's listing in June of police cases with a deadly result.

A buzzing media discourse focusing on deaths incurred during police arrests and transports continued in Norway throughout 2007, and Presthus counts this as one factor triggering the initiative to publish ongoing investigations on the Internet. The cases will be presented on the web pages of the Special Unit for Police Affairs, and they will be presented in a way that preserves the anonymity of officers that are involved, and also other parties in cases where that is considered necessary with respects to protection of privacy.

Top police leadership confirms significant changes will take place

As a direct consequence of the Obiora case, training at the Norwegian Police Academy has undergone changes and national police director Ingelin Killengreen has instigated a thorough review of police methods in general.

International reactions to the 2011 Norway attacks

Over 60 nations and several supernational bodies expressed their condolences and moral support in connection of the 2011 Norway attacks. Those supernational bodies and countries are listed below.

United Nations: A spokesperson for Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said in statement, "The Secretary-General was shocked to learn about the large explosion in central Oslo and the shooting that took place in Utøya today. He condemns this violence and expresses his condolences to the Government of Norway and the families of the victims. The United Nations stands together with the people of Norway at this terrible moment.

European Union:

The President of the European Council, Herman Van Rompuy, described the bomb that hit government buildings in Norway's capital as an act of:

…cowardice. I am deeply shocked by the bomb blasts this afternoon in Oslo which have killed a number of innocent people and left many others injured. I condemn in the strongest terms these acts of cowardice for which there is no justification.

The President of the European Parliament, Jerzy Buzek said:

I condemn with the strongest possible means these cowardly attacks on those innocent young people. I sincerely hope that all the perpetrators of are caught and brought to justice. On behalf of the European Parliament I would like to convey my solidarity and sympathy to the families, the authorities and all Norwegians. We are with you at this tragic hour.

NATO: The Secretary General, Anders Fogh Rasmussen, said that NATO "condemn in the strongest possible terms the heinous acts of violence in Norway. Our solidarity with Norway remains steadfast. NATO countries stand united in the battle against these acts of violence.

Countries

Finnish flags flying at half mast in Oulu on July 24 as recommended by the Finnish Ministry of the Interior.

All the other Nordic countries, Denmark, Finland, Iceland and Sweden, flew flags at half mast on Sunday 24 July.

Afghanistan: President Hamid Karzai issued his "strongest condemnation" for the attack and also said that "it has been years that people of Afghanistan are suffering from terrorism and they understand the pain of Norwegian people better than anyone else".

Argentina: Foreign Minister Héctor Timerman issued his "strongest condemnation" for the attack and also said that "the people and government of Argentina, victim of similar crimes in the past, express their solidarity to the people and government of Norway in reaction of this painful act and unjustifiable loss of human lives.

Armenia: President Serzh Sargsyan expressed condolences to the King of Norway, King Harald V and said that the "Armenian people share the grief of the friendly Norwegian people. Foreign Minister Eduard Nalbandyan condemned the attacks and called on the international community to "conduct an uncompromising fight in order to unroot the scourge of violence form our life.

Australia: Prime Minister Julia Gillard stated that "our sorrow and concern are with the people of Norway and in particular with the families of those who have lost loved ones and those who have been injured.

Austria: President Heinz Fischer expressed his "horror about the criminal terror in Norway, which extinguished so many human lives" He continued that his sympathies are with the victims and their relatives, and beyond that to the whole Norwegian nation to whom Austria feels a special connection

Azerbaijan: Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev extended condolences to King Harald V, families and relatives of those killed and all the people of Norway. Aliyev wished recovery to the injured and wounded and strongly condemned all forms of terrorism.

Bangladesh: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina deplored the attacks and expressed deep at the loss of lives.

Belarus: President Alexander Lukashenko: "The tragedy in Norway, which has killed and injured large numbers of people responded to pain and sadness in the hearts of all Belarusians. Republic of Belarus resolutely condemns the violence, whose victims are innocent people, and shows solidarity with Norway against all forms and demonstrations of terrorism and extremism.

Belgium: Prime Minister Yves Leterme expressed his "condolences to the Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg, the victims of the deadly attacks and to the families of the victims". He strongly condemned the attacks and is "astonished that such a thing can happen to a country known as peace-loving and peace-seeking".

Bosnia and Herzegovina: Chairman of the Council of Ministers Nikola Špirić expressed his condolences and solidarity to the Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg and to the people of Norway. 

Brazil: President Dilma Rousseff stated in a message to Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg that the news regarding the attacks have left her astonished, and she expressed her condolences and solidarity to the victims and their families in Norway on behalf of the Brazilian government and people.

Bulgaria: Foreign Minister Nikolay Mladenov called the bombing "an unacceptable act", and expressed his "deep condolences to the relatives of the victims", saying that "Bulgaria supports its Norwegian partners and friends in this difficult moment.

Canada: Prime Minister Stephen Harper has said he was "shocked and intensely saddened to learn of the attacks in Oslo and Utøya.

Chilean Acting Foreign Affairs Minister Fernando Schmidt gives his condolences at the Embassy of Norway in Santiago.

Chile: In a communiqué released by the Foreign Affairs Ministry, the government of Chile lamented the events at Oslo, calling the attacks an "unacceptable expression of violence that Chile strongly condemns."

China: Premier of China Wen Jiabao condemned the attacks in Norway as terrorism, sending condolences to the Norwegian Prime Minister. A statement from China's Foreign Ministry says "China expresses condemnation of the terror attacks and condolences toward its victims.

Colombia: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a statement in which it "condemns in the strongest terms the attack today in Oslo, near the government seat of the Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg" Colombia also "wishes to convey its condolences to the families of the victims of this heinous act and the people and Government of Norway.

Czech Republic: President Václav Klaus strongly condemned the attack and sent sincere condolences in the name of the Czech people to King Harald V, writing that "citizens of our country are at this moment with you". Prime Minister Petr Nečas sent his sincere condolences on behalf of citizens of the Czech Republic to Prime Minister Stoltenberg.

Denmark: Prime Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen proclaimed that "We stand with Norway on this day" and offered his compassion, sympathy, and solidarity on behalf of the Danish people.

Dominican Republic: Dominican President Leonel Fernandez said that the Dominican people and its government are outraged for the terrorist attack in which innocent lives were lost.

Ecuador: The Ecuadorian government condemned these violent acts and affirmed the need for nations to continue working for world peace.

Estonia: President Toomas Hendrik Ilves expressed his grief, sadness and bewilderment about the attacks. He said: "As the evil never really wins over the good, monstrous and incomprehensible crimes will never close our open societies, but they deepen our commitment to democracy. Foreign Minister Urmas Paet expressed his condolences and said that the attacks deeply wound also Estonian society.

Finland: President Tarja Halonen expressed her condolences to the state of Norway. Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja had also contacted and expressed his condolences to his Norwegian colleague Jonas Gahr Støre, saying he was gravely worried of the situation. He later stated that the explosion shakes all the Nordic countries and has impact on the entire assessment of the security situation in the region. He added that if the attack proves to be terrorism related it proves that any real reason for terrorists to attack is not needed as Norway has traditionally tried to be constructive in international conflicts.

France: President Nicolas Sarkozy has called the deadly bombing in Oslo an "odious and unacceptable act" of violence. "At this dramatic time, I wish to pass on the profound sympathy of the entire French people for the Norwegian people," he said.

Germany: Chancellor Angela Merkel firmly condemned the attacks, stating, "It's clear that we who believe in democracy and peaceful coexistence have to condemn in strong terms such terrorism, no matter how reasoned." She ensured the families of the victims and injured her deep condolence and added: "The Norwegian Government and the Norwegian people shall know, that the Federal Government and the German people are with them.

Greece: Prime Minister of Greece George Papandreou had a telephone conversation with his Norwegian counterpart immediately following the attacks in Oslo. The Prime Minister expressed his and the Greek people's solidarity to the government and people of Norway, while Mr. Stoltenberg thanked the Greek prime minister and briefed him on the situation.

Guatemala: The government of Guatemala issued the following statement: The people and Government of Guatemala presents its condolences and solidarity to the Government and kind people of Norway, while expressing its strongest condemnation against the perpetrators and instigators of this attack on innocent people of that country and reiterates its confidence in the prompt actions of the Norwegian government agencies to punish to the fullest extent of the law, the perpetrators of such cowardly terrorist act.

Hungary: Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and the Hungarian government expressed solidarity with Norway and extended condolences to the Norwegian people. Orbán also said Hungary condemns violence in all its forms regardless of its ideological background.

Iceland: Prime Minister of Iceland Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir and President of Iceland Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson expressed solidarity with Norway: "We feel and share the pain of the Norwegian people during these difficult and turbulent times and have offered all the help Iceland can conceivably give.

India: The spokesperson for the External Affairs Ministry Vishnu Parekh made an official statement for India,"We [Indians] condemn it. We are shocked and outraged at the killings in Norway. We are pained at the loss of lives."

Iran: Foreign Affairs Minister Ali Akbar Salehi sent Norwegian Foreign Affairs Minister Jonas Gahr Støre his condolences for the People of Norway and condemned the attacks.

Ireland: President Mary McAleese and Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore expressed solidarity with Norway and extended condolences to the Norwegian people.

Israel: Minister of Defense and Deputy Prime Minister Ehud Barak expressed Israeli condolences for the victims and solidarity to Norwegian people. He have also offered all the help Israel can conceivably give. Also, President Peres offered his condolences.

Italy: President Giorgio Napolitano and Premier Silvio Berlusconi expressed their condolences for the victims and solidarity to Norwegian people. President Napolitano addressed his message to King Harald V: "having heard with utmost dismay news of the serious attack in Oslo city centre, causing innocent victims, in this terrible moment Italy stands as a friend by the Norwegian people, victim of a coward and bloody terrorist attack, and joins Norwegian country in the repudiation of any form of violence and in the commitment towards peace and communication". Berlusconi issued a message to the Norwegian prime minister: "Dear Stoltenberg, on behalf of myself and of my government, I want to express our profound condolences. We are close to the Norwegian people in this difficult moment of our shared fight against every form of terrorism".

Japan: Prime Minister Naoto Kan addressed a statement to his Norwegian counterpart, saying, "I express my heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims of the attack. I also pray for the earliest possible recovery of those injured. Such violence which sacrifices the innocent is absolutely unforgivable, regardless of the reason. I wish to express solidarity with you, the Government of [the] Kingdom of Norway, and the Norwegian people.

Libyan Arab Jamahiriya: At a press conference in Tripoli, Moussa Ibrahim, a spokesman for the Gaddafi government, said that "We never support any acts of terrorism whatsoever." But added "NATO is planting terrorism in the hearts of many. This is unfortunate and sad.

Lithuania: President Dalia Grybauskaitė: On behalf of myself and Lithuania and its people, I express our heartfelt condolences to you, the victims’ relatives and all the Norwegian people in this difficult hour for your country. I wish the people of Norway strength and focus

Malaysia: The Foreign Ministry expressed shock and sadness at the incidents and said that Malaysia sent its deepest condolences to the Norwegian government in its hour of bereavement.

Mexico: President Felipe Calderon Hinojosa offered his condolences to Stoltenberg via Twitter.

Morocco : In a message to King Harald V of Norway, King Mohammed VI of Morocco has strongly condemned the terrorist attacks in Norway. He has also indicated that these "acts of violence and hostility does not alter the commitment of your people and your country to universal values ​​of democracy, freedom, brotherhood, balance, peace, justice. 

Nepal : Nepal's President Ram Baran Yadav expressed his grief and condemned the attacks and expressed support to the Norwegian people. “At this hour of grief, on behalf of the Government and the people of Nepal as well as on my own, I extend to Your Majesty our heartfelt condolences and deep sympathies. I also send our profound sympathies to the members of the bereaved families and the friendly people of Norway,” the statement reads.

Netherlands: Prime Minister Mark Rutte said the attack in Oslo demonstrates a "total lack of respect for human life." He also said his thoughts are with his Norwegian counterpart Jens Stoltenberg and the Norwegian people. Queen Beatrix also expressed her condolences and solidarity to the victims and their families. Right-wing MP Geert Wilders, with whom Anders Breivik, the suspected perpetrator, is known to sympathize, issued a statement as well: "Terrible attack in Oslo, so many innocent victims of a violent, sick mind. The PVV mourns together with the families of the victims and the Norwegian people.

New Zealand: Prime Minister John Key said in a "remarks to the press" briefing with President Barack Obama at the White House that he echoed President Obama's statement that extended "condolences to the people of Norway". Acting Prime Minister Bill English condemned the twin attacks by saying "I'm shocked and saddened at the news of the bombing and shootings, New Zealand joins with other countries in condemning these attacks on innocent people. Our thoughts and condolences are with the people of Norway at this time.

Pakistan: President Asif Ali Zardari expressed his grief and shock over the loss of lives, following the attack, and conveyed his condolences to the people and government of Norway. He also said that Pakistan, "which has suffered the most in the fight against terrorism and militancy, will continue to fight this menace with full resolve.

Panama: President Ricardo Martinelli issued a statement that the government of Panama "condemns all acts of violence that endanger the safety of the civilian population, considering them an aggression to human rights and the peaceful coexistence of peoples, which is particularly true for the Kingdom of Norway, country that has traditionally supported and promoted world peace." The government manifested its "solidarity with the Norwegian government and people for the loss of human lives, the wounded" and extended its condolences to the families of the victims.

Philippines: Secretary of Foreign Affairs Albert del Rosario stated that "the Philippines deplores the tragic twin attacks in Norway and extends his condolences to the Norwegian government and people.

Poland: The Prime Minister of Poland, Donald Tusk, sent condolences to Prime Minister of Norway, Jens Stoltenberg. President of Poland, Bronisław Maria Komorowski, condemned attacks and sent condolences in the name of the Polish people to King Harald V.

Portugal: The President of the Portuguese Republic, Aníbal Cavaco Silva, sent his condolences to King Harald V and to the victims of the attacks. Additionally, Pedro Passos Coelho, the Prime Minister of Portugal, sent his condolences to his Norwegian counterpart, Jens Stoltenberg.

Qatar: Qatar denounced the terrorist attacks of Norway describing it as an act of barbarianism. Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, H E Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem bin Jabor Al Thani, also denounces the attacks on the government building in Oslo as well as the summer camp attack near the capital city and expresses deep sympathy with the people of Norway and the families of the victims.

Romania: The Foreign Affairs Ministry on behalf of the Romanian government and nation has expressed its firm condemnation of the attacks and sends messages of condolences and support to the victims families and the wounded. It also expressed Romania's solidarity with Norway and affirmed that Norway is a primary promoter of peace in the world. Also former King Michael of Romania sent his condolences to King Harald and expressed His grief and solidarity with the Norwegian people.

Russia: ­Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has sent telegrams to Norway’s King Harald V and Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg, expressing condolences over Friday’s tragic events in Oslo and on Utoya Island, the Kremlin’s press service reported on Saturday.

Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic: Sahrawi President and Polisario Front secretary general Mohamed Abdelaziz sent a letter to Norway's Prime Minister expressing that the Sahrawi government, people and the Polisario Front "strongly condemn this act of terrorism perpetrated against the peaceful people of Norway" and giving "the most deepest and sincere condolences for the loss of innocent lives"

Scotland: Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond expressed his condolences, saying "Scotland and Norway enjoy very strong bonds of friendship stretching back over many years. Our thoughts and sympathies are today with the Norwegian people, particularly the families of all those affected.

Serbia: Serbian president Boris Tadić strongly condemned attack and offer to Norway any help that Serbia can provide.

Singapore: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemns the attacks and conveys its deepest condolences to the families of the victims and to the government and people of Norway.

Slovakia: President Ivan Gašparovič sent sincere condolences in the name of the Slovak people to King Harald V; Prime Minister Iveta Radičová and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mikuláš Dzurinda also sent their condolences to their respective diplomatic partners.

Slovenia: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the government of Slovenia is shocked by the loss of young lives in Norway, and shocked by the vehemence and extent of the terrorist attacks. Foreign Ministry added that Slovenia strongly condemns all acts of violence and any form of terrorism, and that it is the responsibility of all European policies to combat the phenomenon of extremism, which can run amok in such a tragic form, as experienced by Norway.

South Africa: President of South Africa Jacob Zuma,expressed condolences to the people of Norway stating; "Our hearts and prayers are with you and most especially those who have lost loved ones during these callous attacks".

Spain: Prime Minister of Spain José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero expressed his grief and "deep shock" over the attacks and conveyed his condolences to the people and government of Norway, television channel RTVE says. He expressed his solidarity and that of the people of Spain, "who often have lived themselves similar situations". King Juan Carlos expressed too his condolences and solidarity to the victims and their families.

Sweden: King Carl XVI Gustaf issued a statement expressing his and Queen Silvia's "dismay and disgust" over the attacks. He had also conveyed his sympathy to King Harald personally. Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt said that "My deepest condolences for the Norwegian people in this tragedy that happened in Oslo and at the Norwegian Social Democrats' youth camp. My thoughts are with the families of victims and the injured. Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt said that "I immediately had contact with my Norwegian colleague Jonas Gahr Støre to express our deep sympathy to all those affected and to provide any assistance such as may be required." Bildt later posted on Twitter that "terrorism has struck. Police confirms bomb in Oslo. We are all Norwegians.

Switzerland: Swiss President and head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs Micheline Calmy-Rey was "deeply shocked by the tragic events" that took place in Norway and condemned the attacks. In the name of the Federal Council, she expressed her sincere condoleances to the families and friends of the victims.

Thailand: Prime Minister of Thailand Abhisit Vejjajiva said The Royal Thai Government expresses its profound sympathies and condolences to the victims and the bereaved families, as well as to the Government and people of Norway.

Turkey: At an unrelated conference on the day of the incident, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said "No one knows where terror may go from now on" and offered condolences to the government and people of Norway.The next day, in the official letter addressed to Jens Stoltenberg, Erdoğan further expressed the condolences of the Turkish people and government, and strongly condemned the attacks.

Ukraine: Ukrainian president, Viktor Yanukovych offered condolences to the Norwegian king in an official statement, asking the monarch "on behalf of the Ukrainian people and himself personally to pass on his condolences to the families and close ones of those slain.

United Arab Emirates: Emirati Foreign Affairs Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan condemned the attacks stating "The UAE condemns in the strongest possible terms these terrible, appalling crimes and expresses its full solidarity and standing with the Government of Norway in confronting these criminal acts.

United Kingdom: Foreign Secretary William Hague said that the UK stood "shoulder to shoulder" with Norway following the attack. He also said that "I send my deepest condolences to all those who have lost relatives or been injured."[88] Queen Elizabeth II had also sent a letter to King Harald V of Norway describing how the thoughts of her and the Duke of Edinburgh were with the Norwegian people and saying "I am deeply saddened and shocked by the tragic loss of life of so many people on the island of Utoeya and in Oslo" adding "Prince Philip joins me in extending our heartfelt sympathy to your majesty and the people of Norway. Our prayers and thoughts are with everyone who has been affected by the dreadful atrocity.

United States: President Barack Obama said: "Our hearts go out to the people of Norway" and offered American assistance in the investigation of the attacks. He also added that "It’s a reminder that the entire community has a stake in preventing this kind of terror from occurring," along with mentioning that events in Oslo are a reminder that the world has a role in stopping acts of terrorism.

Uruguay: The Foreign Ministry of Uruguay condemned the attacks and "expressed its deep concern and solidarity with the people and the Government of the Kingdom of Norway.

Uzbekistan: President Islom Karimov sent condolences to the King of Norway.

Vatican City: Pope Benedict XVI said "Unfortunately, yet again comes news of death and violence. We all feel deep sorrow for the grave terrorist acts. I want to again repeat my grief-stricken appeal to all to abandon forever the way of hatred and to run away from the logic of evil.