On Wednesday at a parole hearing, convicted mass murderer and terrorist Anders Breivik complained of inhumane prison conditions, saying daily humiliations stopped him from pursuing either education or business plan.

Mr Breivik, who has since changed his name to Fjotolf Hansen, but asked to go by his birth name during the proceedings, was sentenced in 2012 to 21 years in jail for a pair of 2011 attacks that left 77 dead.

Mr Breivik initially set off a bomb outside the prime minister’s office on July 22, 2011, before heading to the Island of Utoya, where he killed dozens of people attending a political summer camp.

He disguised as a police officer for the island attack, prompting many of his victims to run to him for safety.

The terms of his sentence allow him to seek parole after 10 years in prison.

Just as he did on the first day of the hearing, he came into the chamber holding up a sign with a political message despite the judge’s warning that he should refrain from such behaviour.

Mr Breivik argued for his release, noting his willingness to change and follow rules.

He used his testimony to complain about the strict terms of his imprisonment and the lack of social contact, saying he was not allowed to communicate with others or build meaningful relationships.

During questioning, he told defence attorney Oystein Storrvik that he had spent most of his imprisonment in isolation, spending 12-hour days studying and drafting business plans.

He also complained that he had been banned from lectures, making it hard to complete any of his studies.

The convicted murderer complained of being treated like an animal, even though he had changed so much that there were no further changes to make.

Mr Breivik, however, noted that the terms of his imprisonment had been relaxed but were still strict. The hearing began on Tuesday, with testimony to continue until Thursday.

Testimony was also expected from Randi Rosenqvist, a psychiatrist who has met with Breivik multiple times. 

(dpa/NAN)