Norwegian Appeals Court Orders Royal Stepson Høiby's Continued Detention
The Facts
- Marius Borg Høiby, the 29-year-old stepson of Norway's King Haakon, appeared in Oslo District Court on Monday to request release from house arrest while awaiting an appeal hearing on his rape convictions. The court granted his release, but the prosecution immediately appealed. On Wednesday, the Appeals Court ruled to keep him in detention.
- Prosecutors allege that Høiby violated detention conditions by testing positive for alcohol, while Høiby attributed the results to mouthwash and fermented juice.
- Høiby's defense attorney, Daniel Storrvik, disputes the substance abuse risk, noting that Høiby has made significant improvements during custody.
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The Spin
Defense narrative
Detaining Marius Borg Høiby while his appeal is pending turns precaution into punishment. The Appeals Court's decision to keep him in custody is disappointing. Høiby has made significant progress during detention, and the risk of substance abuse is now minimal. Royal status should not result in either preferential treatment or harsher detention.
Prosecution narrative
The Appeals Court’s decision to overturn the lower court’s ruling to release Høiby upholds justice. Given the conviction, continued custody during appeal is warranted to protect public safety. The self-recorded evidence and the scale of the case further support this decision. Royal proximity should not influence the legal standards applied to convicted sex offenders.
