Two teenage boys and a young man appeared in Indre and Østre Finnmark District Court today. They face charges of committing violent acts against another minor. All three defendants come from Inner Finnmark in northern Norway. None admitted guilt during proceedings.
The case involves a May incident captured on video. A nine-second recording shows the victim being held down and repeatedly kicked in the head and neck area while lying on the ground. Police learned about the video after receiving tips about its circulation.
Prosecutor Thea Tobiassen described the assault as serious because multiple perpetrators acted together. She noted the incident's severity was compounded by its recording and the involvement of minors. Visible marks were documented on the victim's head and body the day after the attack.
All three defense lawyers requested acquittal for their clients. One defender, Trond Biti, argued his client's age should be considered and mentioned events preceding the recording that didn't appear in evidence. Another defender, Kjetil Hugo Nilsen, maintained his client tried to prevent rather than participate in violence.
The prosecution rejected defense suggestions of community service as appropriate punishment. Tobiassen stated evidence proved the first defendant kicked five times while others provided physical and psychological assistance. She confirmed no compensation claims would be filed for the victim.
Norwegian courts typically handle juvenile cases with consideration for rehabilitation, but filmed violence often results in stricter outcomes. The judge announced the verdict would come in week 47 with a two-week appeal period following.