Breivik to Enjoy Best Socialist Prison System Has to Offer

Norway killer could be held in 'luxury prison'
byRaf Sanchez

Anders Behring Breivik could be jailed in one of the world's most progressive prisons, where inmates enjoys cells equipped with flat screen televisions, minifridges and designer-style furniture.

Halden Fengsel prison was opened last by King Harald V and is home to some of Norway's most hardened criminals, including murderers and rapists.

The jail is spread over 75 acres of woodland just outside Oslo and facilities include a sound studio, jogging trails and a two-bedroom house separate from the main facility where convicts can stay with their families during overnight visits.

Guards move around the prison unarmed and often play sports or eat meals with the men they are tasked with watching. Half of the prison staff are women, a policy based on research which shows a female presence induces a less aggressive atmosphere.

In a far cry from the brutalist set up of British or American prisons, there is even a "kitchen laboratory" where inmates can take specialist cooking courses.

Speaking at the opening of the jail last year, governor Are Hoidal said: "In the Norwegian prison system, there's a focus on human rights and respect.

"We want to build them up, give them confidence through education and work and have them leave as better people."

There is some evidence that the Norwegian approach to prison works, with only around 20 per cent of offenders ending up back behind bars with two years of release, compared to around half of British convicts.

Yesterday, a judge ordered Breivik to be remanded in custody until the end of September as prosecutors prepare the case against him.

Judge Kim Heger said the gunman had warned of "two more cells" prepared to carry out further attacks and said he would be held while police investigate the claim.

Breivik will be held in solitary confinement until August 22, and will not be allowed visitors or letters for the entirety of his remand period.

The self-confessed killer has also been banned from reading newspapers or watching broadcast news.