Lawyer: Massacre defense is to protect democracy
Legal World
The defense lawyer for the man who confessed to the Norway massacre said he agreed to take the case because he felt the tragedy underscored the need to safeguard democratic traditions like the right to defense counsel.
Geir Lippestad said at his first news conference that he considered the case for 10 or 12 hours before finally agreeing to take it.
Later, Lippestad told The Associated Press that he did not know why his client chose him. He once worked in the same building as Breivik and Norwegian media have reported that he has defended neo-Nazis.
"My first reaction was of course that this is too difficult, but when I sat down with my family and friends and colleagues, we talked it through and we said that today it's time to think about democracy," Lippestad said.
He added: "Someone has to do this job, the police has to do their job and the judges do their job." He was speaking in English.
"My job is not to be his friend," he said. "He will get a fair trial, that's my job to secure."
Breivik has confessed to last week's bombing in the capital and a rampage at a Labor Party retreat for young people, but he has pleaded not guilty to the terrorism charges he faces, claiming he acted to save Europe from what he says is Muslim colonization.
Related listings
-
Strauss-Kahn's French accuser heard by police
Legal World 07/12/2011A French writer who contends that former International Monetary Fund chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn tried to rape her gave a statement to French police investigators on Monday, a judicial official said. Tristane Banon brought a criminal complaint last ...
-
Dutch anti-Islam lawmaker acquitted of hate speech
Legal World 06/25/2011The boundaries of free speech in Europe widened Thursday after a Dutch court acquitted politician Geert Wilders of inciting hatred against Muslims when he compared Islam with Naziism and called for a ban on the Quran.Political analysts say the ruling...
-
Spanish court upholds ban on face-covering veils
Legal World 06/09/2011A Spanish court has upheld a ban by a city on face-covering Islamic veils worn in municipal buildings.In 2010, the city of Lleida became the first Spanish one to impose such a ban. But the Catalan regional Superior Justice Tribunal suspended it follo...
Victorville CA DUI defense Attorneys
The outcome of a DUI defense will have a long-term effect on anyone’s life, making the decision to receive legal representation an easy one. The fact is, most people accused of a DUI are first offenders with no criminal background. Whether this is your first run in with the law or you have had previous convictions, you are in need of a DUI defense attorney.
The charges you are facing for a DUI range from fines, a 12-month suspension on your license and worst-case scenario, prison time. Your attorney will be able to analyze your situation to decide the best way to go about your case.
Our attorneys know the tricky ways to challenge all of the DUI tests and know how to claim improper collection of evidence. We will be able to negotiate on your behalf and free you from charges and help you keep your drivers license. The DUI process can last up to several months, we can make this process easier on you. .