Hawzah News Agency - A Norwegian terrorist who's accused of killing his stepsister and opening fire in a mosque near Oslo in August has appeared in court.

22-year-old Philip Manshaus, who faces terror charges, appeared for a brief court session at which his preliminary detention was extended, Norwegian media reported.

Manshaus was initially remanded in custody in August, suspected of murder and a "terrorist act" that police say he filmed himself committing.

Previous hearings have been conducted behind closed doors, but Monday’s was not, enabling media to attend.

The press is generally not allowed to detail such hearings, but Oslo District Court lifted the ban, allowing statements by the 22-year-old to be made public.

He gave the Nazi salute before taking his place next to his lawyers, Audun Beckstrom and Unni Fries, in the courtroom, according to the newspaper’s report.

The defence lawyers declined to comment on the gesture or Manshaus’ reason for giving it.

He was allowed to read a statement in which he explained why he killed his stepsister and attacked the Al-Noor Mosque near Oslo in August.