Norway opens new memorial for victims of 2011 Breivik massacre

"July 22, 2011 was a brutal attack not only on individuals, but also on our democracy," said Merete Stamneshagen, head of a support group for victims and survivors, quoted by the AFP news agency.Norway's Crown Prince Haakon and government officials also attended the inauguration ceremony in Oslo on Sunday.Haakon also visited the new 22 July Centre - Norway's national memorial and education centre dedicated to the attacks.In 2012, Breivik was sentenced to 21 years in jail, the maximum a court in Norway can impose, though it can be extended for as long as he is deemed a threat. Over the years, Breivik has challenged the terms of his sentence.In 2016, he partially won his human rights case against Norway before it was overturned the following year.In 2022, he failed in his bid for parole, with the court ruling he had not changed and remained a risk to society. In 2024, he unsuccessfully sued the government over claims of isolation, as he is kept separately from other prisoners for security reasons.ReutersA pile of pebbles forms part of the new Oslo memorial for the 2011 massacre victims