A Norwegian man suspected of killing his stepsister and opening fire at a mosque near Oslo at the weekend appeared at a court detention hearing beaten and bruised but smiling on Monday, accused of murder and a terrorist act.
The terrorist, identified as 21-year old Philip Manshaus, appeared in the Oslo court with two black eyes and scrapes and bruises on his face, neck, and hands, probably obtained when he was overpowered at the mosque.
Police say he has “extreme right views” and “xenophobic positions”. The Norway incident comes amid a rise in white supremacy attacks around the world.
Manshaus is formally suspected of murder in the death of his 17-year-old stepsister, and of a “terrorist act” at the Al-Noor mosque on Saturday, allegations he has rejected.
In Norway, being formally named as a suspect is a step prior to indictment.
Manshaus entered the courtroom smiling to cameras, wearing dark clothes, and his hair cut short.
Police asked the court to detain the suspect in custody in isolation for four weeks. The judge was expected to announce a decision later Monday.
Manshaus, meanwhile, asked to be released, his lawyer Unni Fries said after the hearing. “He rejects the allegations and exercises his right to not explain himself,” she said
