Norway gunman appears in court, salutes

Oslo - The Norwegian anti-Islam militant Anders Behring Breivik who massacred 77 people in July arrived under heavy armed guard at an Oslo courthouse on Monday, lifting his arm in what he has called a rightist salute as his trial began.

"I do not recognise the Norwegian courts. You have received your mandate from political parties which support multiculturalism", Breivik told the court. "I do not acknowledge the authority of the court."
 
Breivik, dressed in a dark suit, smiled as a guard removed his handcuffs in a crowded court room on Monday. The 33-year-old anti-Muslim militant flashed a closed-fist salute, before shaking hands with prosecutors and court officials.

Breivik has admitted to the July 22 attacks, claiming they were necessary to protect Norway from being taken over by Muslims.
 
The key issue to be resolved in the 10-week trial is the state of Breivik's mental health, which will decide whether he is sent to prison or to psychiatric care.