The Norwegian man accused of carrying out a shooting at a mosque near Oslo a week ago has not entered a plea, police said Saturday after a second session of questioning.

Philip Manshaus, 21, is charged with terrorism and the murder of his stepsister.

Police prosecutor Pal-Fredrik Hjort Kraby said the accused ‘acknowledges the facts, but has not formally entered a plea.’  Manshaus has given ‘a detailed explanation about his motive,’ Kraby said, but declined to offer details.

He said police were operating with the theory that the mosque attack was to instil fear in the Muslim population.

Kraby said Saturday's session ran for about three and a half hours. A new session was likely next week.

Manshaus was arrested August 10 at the Al-Noor Islamic Centre mosque in Baerum, west of Oslo.

The body of his 17-year-old stepsister was found later that day in his home in Baerum.

Kraby said Saturday's questioning had focused on the scene of where her body was found and the route Manshaus took to the mosque.

His lawyer Unni Fries declined to comment on what was discussed.

The Oslo district court ruled on Monday that Manshaus was not to be allowed to receive visitors, letters or access news media during the four-week pre-trial custody period.

At the closed-door hearing, Manshaus petitioned the court for his release.

Police have said he has extremist far-right views. His online activity is a key part of their probe.

Norwegian media outlets have reported that the suspect posted a message a few hours before the attack praising the mass shootings at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, in March.

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