Mass rallies for Norway victims, Breivik confesses

Torchlit processions have been held in towns and cities across Norway to remember the victims of Friday’s twin attacks by Norwegian Anders Behring Breivik.

Trains were halted as part of the nationwide observance to remember the victims of Friday’s slaughters. Oslo Mayor Fabian Stang said the turnout showed that Norwegians do not accept violence.

Authorities revised the death toll from Friday’s attacks and said 76 had been killed – eight in Oslo and the rest on Utoya island.

Breivik has already made his first appearance in a closed court to face terrorism charges. News media report that Breivik had “hoped” that Monday’s hearing would be televised live by the world’s news media and reportedly had wanted to dress in uniform to defend his actions as part of a bid to trigger an anti-Islamic revolution in Europe.

However, a Norwegian judge ruled the proceedings  should be held behind closed doors, as government prosecutors are worried about giving Breivik a forum to expose his radical views.

Inside the courtroom, Breivik reportedly listened calmly as he was formally charged with violating Norway’s anti-terrorism laws and remanded to solitary confinement for the next four weeks.

Judge Kim Heger said Breivik confessed to the attacks, but pleaded not guilty to the terrorism charges justifying his actions as part of an anti-Muslim campaign.

Reportedly, Breivik also claimed to be working with two other terror cells, although police say he told he acted alone.