Andrea Gjendem prepared for months for her day in court. The assault case that has haunted her was scheduled for hearing on October 28. She woke that morning with what she describes as full-body alarm readiness. For her, ending this dark chapter felt crucial. But the courtroom stood empty that day. For the third time, her case faced postponement.
The accused person in Gjendem's case had opted out of digital communication. They never received the court summons through Norway's Digipost system. When defendants don't get proper legal notification, hearings cannot proceed. Gjendem feels betrayed by a system that seems to protect the accused more than victims.
Norwegian court procedures require defendants receive legal summons through approved channels. Typically this happens digitally via Digipost. When defendants opt out, police must deliver documents physically. This creates significant delays and resource drains.
Police Attorney Trine Elisabeth Selnes confirms this happens monthly. Some individuals exploit their right to refuse digital communication. They make legal notification as difficult as possible for authorities. This creates frustration throughout the justice system.
District Court Judge Ina Strømstad explains the legal dilemma. Court security requires absolute certainty defendants know about their hearings. Without proper summons, courts cannot proceed. The case returns to police for renewed notification efforts.
Gjendem's life remains on hold. She no longer walks alone at night. Constant anxiety accompanies her daily routine. Each court preparation requires months of mental fortitude. Facing the accused again triggers physical reactions, including nausea.
The Norwegian legal system does have exceptions. Courts can proceed without defendants present in certain circumstances. This requires proving intentional avoidance and applies only to cases with maximum one-year prison sentences.
Police believe Gjendem's accused is deliberately avoiding court. They will attempt to schedule the case again. Whether it meets exception criteria remains with the court's judgment.
This situation highlights broader challenges in Nordic justice systems. Digital transition creates new vulnerabilities. Rights designed to protect can be weaponized against victims. The mental health impact on waiting victims receives insufficient attention.
Gjendem hopes speaking out helps others in similar situations. She wants stronger sanctions for those avoiding court appearances. Victims deserve certainty that legal processes will conclude. The current system leaves too much room for manipulation.
Norwegian courts face difficult balancing acts. Defendant rights must be protected while ensuring justice for victims. When systems get exploited, everyone loses except those gaming the process. The human cost of these delays remains largely unmeasured but deeply felt.