Quick Read
- Marius Borg Høiby was denied release from prison to the Skaugum royal estate by an Oslo district court.
- The judge cited a high risk of reoffending and concerns over potential digital contact with victims as reasons for the denial.
- Høiby, who faces 39 charges including rape, will remain in custody until the final verdict is delivered in June.
OSLO (Azat TV) – A district court judge in Oslo has formally denied a request from Marius Borg Høiby, the 29-year-old son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit, to be released from police custody. The ruling, delivered on Wednesday, ensures that Høiby will remain in prison until his verdict is announced in early June.
Court Rejects Electronic Monitoring at Skaugum Estate
Høiby had petitioned the court to transition from his current prison confinement to house arrest at the Skaugum royal estate, located west of Oslo. His defense team, led by lawyer René Ibsen, proposed that Høiby be fitted with an electronic ankle bracelet to monitor his movements, arguing that the facility would provide a controlled environment while alleviating the psychological strain of his current solitary confinement. Despite a 30-page report from Norwegian prison authorities suggesting that Høiby could technically qualify for electronic monitoring, Judge Hans Nikolai Førde dismissed the motion after a brief deliberation.
Concerns Over Reoffending and Digital Contact
The primary factor in the court’s decision was the persistent risk of further violations. Judge Førde emphasized that the nature of the charges—which include 39 counts ranging from rape and physical violence to narcotics violations—necessitated continued incarceration. Prosecutors successfully argued that even with an ankle monitor, Høiby’s access to a mobile phone presented an unacceptable potential for further contact with alleged victims. Victims’ representatives had previously raised alarms regarding the risk of digital harassment, a concern that the court deemed significant enough to override the defense’s request for increased mobility.
Prison Conditions and Ongoing Legal Proceedings
During the hearing, Høiby described his current living conditions as increasingly difficult, citing isolation and limited social interaction as primary drivers of his deteriorating well-being. He reported experiencing memory lapses, sleep deprivation, and a loss of appetite while held in a specialized unit designed for his own safety. While Ibsen characterized the court’s decision as both “surprising and disappointing” and confirmed plans to file an immediate appeal, the prosecution maintained that the severity of the case and the history of ignored restraining orders justified the denial. The legal proceedings are currently in their final stages, with a definitive verdict expected next month.
The court’s swift dismissal of the house arrest request underscores a judicial priority on preventing witness interference and recidivism over the defendant’s personal comfort, signaling that the gravity of the charges against Høiby remains the central focus as the trial moves toward its conclusion.