Families of Norway attack victims visit Utoya Island

Families of Norway attack victims visit Utoya Island

2011-08-20 09:57:19 GMT+7 (ICT)

OSLO (BNO NEWS) -- Family members and friends of the nearly 70 Norwegians who were killed by a gunman on Utoya Island on July 22 visited the island on Friday.

An estimated 500 to 600 victim relatives were taken to the island by groups on a special craft which was operated by the Civil Defense. Every family was accompanied by a Red Cross worker who, if requested, showed where their relatives were shot dead.

Journalists were able to watch from the mainland as relatives were transported to Utoya island, but no journalists were allowed to visit the island. Some relatives spent more than four hours on the island, which experts say is important for both relatives and survivors.

"We know from research and experience that if you do not visit the place to say goodbye, you cannot end the relationship with that person," one psychologist said. Similar arrangements will be made for a second group of survivors on Saturday.

The attacks in Norway happened on July 22 when 32-year-old Anders Behring Breivik is accused of setting off a car bomb in the Government quarter in Oslo, killing eight people and injuring 30 others. He then allegedly went on a shooting spree on Utoya island where the Labour Party's annual Workers' Youth League (AUF) youth summer camp was being held, killing 69 people and injuring 66 others.

The Memorial visit came as a Norwegian court granted a police request to extend Breivik's confinement in isolation as they continue their investigation. Breivik's next hearing is scheduled to be on September 19.

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