Court rules on neo-Nazi killer Breivik’s parole bid
RTAPR 2 2022
Mass Killer Breivik Sues Norway Over Prison Isolation
Image copyright: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images News via Getty Images (July 25, 2011)
The Spin
Narrative A
Though the claim that his near-complete isolation has taken a psychological toll on him seems to be plausible, it must be noted that Breivik has a long record of absurd complaints about his life in prison — including desiring better video games. He has been living in a luxurious prison cell despite his heinous crimes — and yet he acts as if the nation owes him everything.
Narrative B
Constitutional democracies must always uphold the rule of law and remain committed to protecting fundamental human rights, even if that benefits a horrific mass murder like Breivik or any other terrorist or convicted criminal. In fact, it's exactly the way that European nations treat them that indicates what kind of political community Europe wants to be.