Norway's Oslo District Court has jailed Marius Borg Høiby, the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit, for four weeks before his trial starts, citing a clear risk he would commit new serious crimes if released. The 29-year-old was arrested Sunday night and charged with assault, threats with a knife, and violating a restraining order. The court found it 'more likely than not' that Høiby is guilty of these new allegations, which police say occurred over the weekend.
“Pre-trial detention due to risk of repetition requires a strong probability that the accused will commit a new criminal act punishable by more than six months in prison if released,” the detention order stated. The court considered alternatives to custody but concluded they would not sufficiently reduce the danger. Høiby’s defense lawyer, Petar Sekulic, told news media they are considering an appeal. “He is not doing well. He dreads the trial because of the media pressure and the seriousness of the case,” Sekulic said.
The Basis for Custody
The court handled the detention hearing as a written procedure, meaning a judge decided without the parties physically present. This method is sometimes used for efficiency. The order explicitly notes the court’s duty to consider measures short of imprisonment, such as reporting conditions or electronic monitoring. Its rejection of these options underscores the assessment of Høiby as a significant flight risk and a threat to public safety. The new charges are believed to involve the same woman from Oslo's Frogner district, whom Høiby was initially arrested for assaulting in August 2024. That woman's legal counsel has declined to comment.
The Pending Trial and Existing Charges
Høiby’s main trial is scheduled to begin Tuesday and is set to last seven weeks. He faces 38 separate charges in that case. The indictment includes allegations of domestic violence, one count of rape with intercourse, and three counts of rape without intercourse. According to the prosecution, the women were unable to resist because they were not awake during the alleged assaults. Høiby has denied guilt for the most serious charges, including all four rape counts and the domestic violence. He has admitted guilt to assaulting a former cohabitant in Frogner, transporting cannabis, and violating a restraining order.
Legal Context and Pre-Trial Detention
The use of pre-trial detention, or fengsling, in Norway is governed by strict legal criteria outlined in the Criminal Procedure Act. Judges must find a substantiated suspicion of guilt and determine that at least one of several specific grounds for detention exists. The fare for gjentakelse (risk of repetition) is one of the most commonly cited grounds, requiring prosecutors to demonstrate a strong likelihood the defendant will commit new, serious offenses. Other grounds include risk of flight or interference with evidence. The four-week custody period granted is a standard initial term, after which the police must apply for an extension if they wish to hold the defendant longer before trial.
This case places the Norwegian judiciary under an international spotlight, testing its ability to handle a high-profile defendant with impartiality. The principle of equality before the law is a cornerstone of the Norwegian legal system. The court’s decision to detain Høiby, despite his social standing, signals its commitment to that principle. However, the intense media scrutiny presents a challenge for ensuring a fair trial, a concern openly voiced by his defense counsel.
The Defense's Position and Next Steps
Defense lawyer Petar Sekulic stated that Høiby has not yet been formally questioned by police regarding the new weekend allegations. “We are working on setting a time for when that can be carried out,” Sekulic said. Regarding the detention order, he added, “For now, we are taking note of the decision. We are considering an appeal as soon as Høiby and the aggrieved party have given their statements.” This indicates the defense’s strategy may involve challenging the procedural handling of the detention or the weight of the preliminary evidence. Any appeal would go to the Borgarting Court of Appeal.
Societal and Royal Family Implications
The case reverberates beyond the courtroom, touching on national discussions about violence against women and the integrity of public institutions. The serious nature of the charges, particularly those involving alleged assaults on unconscious victims, aligns with broader legal and social campaigns in Norway to strengthen prosecution of sexual violence. For the royal family, the situation is unprecedentedly difficult. While Høiby is not a member of the royal house itself, his close maternal link to the Crown Princess inevitably draws the monarchy into the narrative. The palace maintains a strict policy of not commenting on private legal matters, a stance that will likely be severely tested as the trial progresses.
The Road to Trial
With the trial starting imminently, the court’s priority will be to seat an impartial jury and manage the logistical complexities of a seven-week, high-security proceeding. The prosecution bears the burden of proving the 38 charges beyond a reasonable doubt. Høiby’s partial admission of guilt regarding some charges may complicate the trial strategy for both sides, potentially leading to a focus on the contested allegations of rape and prolonged domestic violence. The outcome will hinge on forensic evidence, witness testimony, and the credibility of the parties involved. The four-week detention order ensures Høiby will remain in custody as this long and complex legal process begins, a process that will be scrutinized for its every detail and ultimate verdict.