Anders Behring Breivik and Crimes Against Humanity

I have been wanting to write about today's news that Norwegian prosecutors are pondering a crimes against humanity charge against spree killer Anders Behring Breivik, only to find that William Schabas has already done a fine job of it.  Look out for me in the comments!

On another note, I found the press conference with Breivik's lawyer earlier somewhat fascinating, partly because of the remarkable nature of the situation, partly because of the ridiculous questioning ("Is he a cold person?" "Does he know you are a Labour Party member?" "Is he able to sleep?"), but primarily because of the unenviable situation that he finds himself in.  What would your response be on being asked to represent a self-confessed mass murderer who is totally open about what he has done, and unrepentant for his crimes? Geir Lippestad accepted the assignment because he believes in democracy and in his legal system, some of the very things which his clients finds so objectionable. It's hard not to feel a tinge of admiration towards somebody who believes in his system enough to be able to represent a monster and work to obtain for him the fair trial that he doubtless should have.