The Norwegian authorities have refused an application by the mass killer, Anders Breivik, to form a fascist organisation from his prison cell, saying he provided them with insufficient paperwork.

Breivik, who killed 77 people in a bombing in Oslo and shooting at a youth camp on Utoya island in 2011, tried to register a political association which listed its aim as the "democratic fascist seizure of power in Norway" and the establishment of an independent state.

But the right-wing extremist only included one signatory – himself – while Norwegian regulations stipulate that an association must be two or more people, the Aftenposten newspaper reported.

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A representative for the organisation that handles such requests told the newspaper that they dealt with the application as they would any other, and rejected it because it did not meet the legal requirements.

Despite the shocking natures of Breivik's crimes – most of his victims were teenagers – the Norwegian authorities have stressed that he must be treated in the same way as any other convict.

The government has been praised for refusing to compromise national ideals of fairness and justice in the face of such provocative acts.

Breivik's lawyer, Tord Jordet, confirmed that his client was pursuing conducting political activities, and would appeal the rejection.

A representative from the Anti-Racist Centre of Norway said that if Breivik succeeded in setting up his association, the justice ministry may be able to ban it on the grounds that is it a terrorist group. Breivik is serving a 21 year jail sentence for the killings.