Vikernes is released on parole after serving 16 years of his 21-year sentence. His release is met with significant public attention and controversy.

Vikernes and his French wife relocate to France. He becomes a father to several children.

Vikernes and his wife are arrested in France on suspicion of planning a terrorist act. The arrest is prompted by his wife's purchase of firearms legally and his online expressions of extremist views. No concrete plans for an attack are found, and they are later released, though he is convicted of inciting racial hatred.