Norway massacre survivors take the stand in Breivik trial

April 16, 2012: Norwegian Anders Behring Breivik, who is facing terrorism and premeditated murder charges, reacts as a video presented by the prosecution is shown in court, Oslo, Norway. (AP)

OSLO, Norway – Survivors of a youth camp shooting massacre that left 69 people dead in Norway have testified about their panicked attempts to hide during the rampage, as the court turned down confessed gunman Anders Behring Breivik's request to question them on the stand.

Tonje Brenna, a leading member of the Labor Party's youth wing, described how she sought shelter behind rocks on the shore of Utoya island on July 22 as her colleagues were shot around her. The 24-year-old told the Oslo court Wednesday she "smelled gunpowder" from her hiding place, "it stung in my eyes."

Another witness, a local resident, described going out in his boat expecting to be shot as he plucked terrified youths from the water as they tried to swim away from the island.