Burzum’s Varg Vikernes Released From Custody After Arrest on Suspicion of Terrorism
Burzum mastermind and controversial black metal musician Varg Vikernes has been released from custody two days after being taken in by French police for suspicion of plotting a "massacre." Although it was originally reported that only Varg was arrested, it turns out that his 25-year-old wife, Marie Cachet, was arrested alongside her husband.
Varg Vikernes famously spent 15 years in prison after being convicted of murder and church arson in 1994. A former member of black metal pioneers Mayhem, Vikernes stabbed bandmate and guitarist Øystein 'Euronymous' Aarseth to death during a confrontation in 1993. Vikernes is an open racist and supporter of the French National Front, but Vikernes was reportedly investigated for planning an act of terrorism because he received the manifesto of mass murderer Anders Breivik, who killed 77 people in an Oslo, Norway bombing and shooting massacre.
According to the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation (NRK), both Varg and his wife were released today (July 18) at 7PM in France. NRK also posted photos of Vikernes' farm and reported on reactions from the musician's neighbors, who only had nice things to say about Varg.
"Vikernes did not plan terror attacks," his French lawyer, Julien Freyssinet, told Aftenposten, according to the French news bureau AFP. "The weapons are purchased for the couple's leisure activities and life philosophy. Vikernes only wants to live peacefully with his family." Freyssinet also claimed that weapons seized by officers at the couple's home had been acquired "completely legally and without hiding a thing, as part of a philosophy followed by the couple — that of survivalism." [via Blabbermouth]
French police are legally allowed to hold any suspect in a terrorism case for up to 96 hours before having to formally charge the individual. According to AFP, Varg Vikernes has been under police surveillance for years, and when his wife acquired weapons, French police chose to investigate.