Oslo terror attack: report may criticise police

Reuters

File photo - Anders Behring Breivik clenches his fist as he arrives in court for the first day of his trial in Oslo.

Oslo -

An independent review into Norway's response to the twin attacks that claimed 77 lives a year ago was to be published on Monday, amid speculation it would criticise several authorities including the police.

On July 22, 2011, eight people died when a car bomb detonated at the government headquarters in Oslo and 69 people died in a shooting at a political youth camp. Anders Behring Breivik, the man charged with the bomb and shooting attacks, is to be sentenced later this month.

Survivors and bereaved have told Norwegian media that they hoped the July 22 Commission report will not shy away from detailing mistakes.

“Of course many people have expectations and we have tried to meet them,” Alexandra Bech Gjorv, head of the 10-member commission, told public broadcaster NRK on Monday.

Gjorv said the panel has met with some of the agencies and individuals mentioned in the report to prepare them for criticisms it would raise.

The panel has reviewed areas such as surveillance and threats and the role of the security service PST; access to weapons including firearms and chemicals; protection of government buildings and key infrastructure; how the police responded to the attacks.

Police have earlier apologised for delays in their response. Attention has centred on whether police could have launched their boat closer to the island where the shooting took place or deployed a helicopter.

When Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg announced the members of the panel a year ago, he said the commission's aim was to help create “a safer Norway” and “get facts on the table”.- Sapa-dpa