Norway gunman expected to plead not guilty to terrorism charges in court

Such openness could now be at an end after Anders Behring Breivik's devastating car bomb attack on the prime minister's offices and the slaying of young activists from the ruling Labour party trapped on an island.

The attacks, in which at least 93 people were killed, will also affect Norway's debate on immigration but are unlikely to close the shutters of one of Europe's most open societies.

"We will have a society based on less trust ... we will be a bit more anxious than before," said Thomas Hylland Eriksen, a social anthropologist from the University of Oslo.

Stoltenberg said on Sunday that Norway would "keep going" but that there would be a definite break between the country before and after the attacks.

"But I am quite sure that you will also recognize Norway afterwards -- it will be an open Norway, a democratic Norway and a Norway where we take care of each other," Stoltenberg said.

Breivik, who admitted to the shooting spree and bomb blast, has said through his lawyer that his actions aimed to "change Norwegian society" which he saw as being undermined by multi-culturalism.

"BESLAN-LIKE CRUELTY"

Analysts say the scale and brutality of the attacks shattered Norway's self-image as a peaceful nation focused on mediation efforts across the globe and the Nobel Peace Prize.

"The lesson here is that fanatics do and will continue to exist -- and that Norway is not immune," said political science professor Janne Haaland Matlary.

Security officials have refused to confirm they were aware of Breivik as a potential threat, although publicly there is little to indicate he was on any watchlist. His only criminal record appears to be a traffic conviction 10 years ago. Other questions over the police response to the massacre remain unanswered after officers confirmed an hour elapsed between being alerted and stopping the massacre.

Erik Berga, police operations chief in Buskerud County, said an inadequate boat and a decision to await a special armed unit from Oslo, 30 miles (45km) away, hampered the response. "When so many people and equipment were put into it, the boat started to take on water, so that the motor stopped," she said.

On Sunday it emerged that a police officer had been guarding the island but it is thought he was killed by the gunman.

Breivik's father, Jens, said he had learned of his son's involvement online. "I was reading the online newspapers and suddenly I saw his name and picture on the net," he told the VG tabloid.

"It was a shock to learn about it. I have not recovered yet," he said. Jens, who is in his 70s, lives in France and has had no contact with his son since 1995, according to Reuters.

The Norway attacks have raised concerns copycat operations may take place in Europe. British Muslim leaders announced on Sunday increased security at mosques. Mohammed Shafiq, the leader of Ramadhan Foundation, one of Britain's largest Muslim groups, says mosques were being extra vigilant.

Shafiq said he was also discussing the need to take extra precautions with other European Muslim leaders, adding that he has spoken to the police about extra protection.

Concerns the UK remains vulnerable to such an attack were aired by the foreign secretary, William Hague, who warned that Britain's security forces may not be able to stop a Norway-style terror attack.

However, security experts said the events in Norway last Friday would refocus how far-right groups are dealt with.

Dr John Bew, director of the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation and Political Violence at King's College London, admitted there had been a lack of focus on far-right extremism, with research into Islamism often taking precedence. "We have looked at lone wolves in relation to Islamism but I think we haven't taken far-right extremism seriously enough."

James Brandon, research head at London's Quilliam thinktank, said: "The horrific events in Norway are a reminder that white far-right extremism is also a major and possibly growing threat."

Norway is still struggling to come to terms with the attacks, which came within two hours of each other on Friday afternoon. Breivik was arrested after surrendering on the island, where he had shot and killed at least 86 young people at a summer camp run by the ruling Labour Party. Seven civil servants died after he detonated a massive car bomb in Oslo's government district 90 minutes earlier.

Norway killing:Muslims feel sting of initial blame

OSLO — With at least 92 dead and a suspect in custody, Norwegians trying to make sense of the bombing and shooting attacks here turned repeatedly Saturday to the one example that seemed to fit: the Oklahoma City bombing.

Here, as there, a quick assumption that Muslims were at fault proved to be erroneous. Norwegians now know that a 32-year-old Christian, who railed against multiculturalism, is the principal and perhaps only suspect in the killings that occurred Friday in Oslo and at an island nearby. His name is Anders Behring Breivik; police say he has admitted to the shootings. A Norwegian newspaper reported that he had recently bought a large quantity of fertilizer, which can be used to make bombs — as the Oklahoma City bomber, Timothy Mc­Veigh, showed in 1995.

According to Web postings he apparently wrote, Breivik has lived on the margins of Norway’s extreme right wing, a movement that has been in decline for at least a decade. The writings denounce politicians in general for betraying the nation — but offer no hint of violence.

The country of 4.5 million was plunged into grief Saturday, especially because more than 80 of the victims were teenagers attending a Labor Party camp on the island of Utoya. Oslo was hushed, even though thousands came out on the streets, whether out of curiosity or in solidarity. As soft showers fell, the loudest sound was of workmen sweeping up broken glass.

“This is still our city,” said Knut Aafloey, a leader of the Norwegian Artists and Songwriters Association. “People want to be close to where it happened.”

Then Anders Behring Breivik, described by police as a "right-wing Christian fundamentalist," was arrested in connection with the attacks.

Within the Muslim community, there was a sigh of relief that it wasn't someone connected with their religion, but also a sting at being initially scapegoated — not unlike what occurred immediately after the Oklahoma City bombing by right-wing American extremists in 1995.

"This is predictable and something that we have come to expect, but it is sad," said Safaa Zarzour, secretary general of the Islamic Society of North America. "For most Muslims, it is a confirmation of how they already feel, that they are guilty until proven innocent."

He said despite the perception of Muslims being always at odds with others, the fight is actually between the mainstream and the extreme of every religion.

Farhana Khera, executive director of Muslim Advocates, worried that the impulse to blame Muslims could lead to further inflaming anti-Muslim sentiment and fueling platforms built upon the demonization of her community.

"I really view it as a wake-up call," Khera said. "Violence comes from all groups, and singling out one faith community as a target, as much of our society appears to have done, makes us more vulnerable."

Also worrisome to Muslim groups is the double standard they see with the use of the word "terrorism."

When attackers are not Muslim, the attack often is not given the "terrorism" label, Khera said, and people think, " 'Oh well, it is an isolated incident, or it is a deranged gunman,' whereas in the case of a Muslim, there is an immediate impulse to understand the person's faith or ideology," she said.

Unrelated to the Norway attacks, the Muslim Public Affairs Council on Friday had released a statement on how counter-terrorism trainers who use hate speech directed at Muslims ultimately hurt American national security. IAfter the Norwegian tragedy, when some news media were quick to quote terrorism experts who suggested involvement by Muslims, MPAC said the statement was especially relevant.