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Lawyer: Norwegian attacker makes demands

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[August 02, 2011]  OSLO, Norway (AP) -- The confessed killer in Norway's twin terror attacks that claimed 77 lives has presented a long list of "unrealistic" demands, including the resignation of the government and that his mental condition be investigated by Japanese specialists, his defense lawyer said Tuesday.

Geir Lippestad told the Associated Press his client has two lists of demands. One consists of requests common among inmates such as for cigarettes and civilian clothing. The other is "unrealistic, far, far from the real world and shows he doesn't know how society works," Lippestad said by telephone.

Lippestad said 32-year-old Anders Behring Breivik links this second list to his willingness to share information about two other alleged terrorist cells that Breivik has mentioned during questioning.

"They are completely impossible to fulfill," Lippestad said, adding that although Breivik has agreed to be examined by local psychiatrists, he also wants to be investigated by Japanese specialists.

"He claims the Japanese understand the idea and values of honor and that a Japanese (specialist) would understand him a lot better than any European would."

Lippestad said his client has also demanded complete political reform, in which he wants to be assigned a key role.

"His demands here includes the complete overthrowing of both the Norwegian and European societies," he said, noting it includes the resignation of the Norwegian government but declined to give further details. "But it shows that he doesn't understand the situation he's in."

Breivik claims he carried out the attacks as part of a network of modern-day crusaders -- the Knights Templar -- to launch a revolution against a Europe spoiled by Muslim immigration, and that there are other cells ready to strike.

Investigators say they have found no signs of a larger conspiracy. Still, they are searching his computer and cellphone records for any signs of contact with other right-wing extremists who may have helped or influenced him.

The July 22 bombing in Norway's government quarter in Oslo killed eight people and the shooting massacre at an annual summer retreat held by the Labor Party's youth wing claimed an additional 69 lives.

If Breivik is tried and convicted of terrorism he could face up to 21 years in prison. An alternative custody arrangement, however, could keep him behind bars indefinitely.

[Associated Press; By KARL RITTER and LOUISE NORDSTROM]

Nordstrom reported from Stockholm.

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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