Norwegian prosecutors have called for a prison sentence of seven years and seven months for Marius Borg Hoiby, the stepson of Crown Prince Haakon and son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit, over allegations including the rape of four women. The high-profile six-week trial in Oslo has captivated the nation, highlighting legal scrutiny of royal family members and raising questions about equality before the law in Norway's monarchy.
Prosecutor Sturla Henriksbo argued in court that "rape can leave lasting scars and destroy lives," emphasizing the severe impact on victims. She portrayed Hoiby as someone "who thinks he can do whatever he wants," but noted, "Marius Borg Hoiby is not a monster. None of us are. We're all human beings, with good and bad sides. He should not be judged for who he is, but for what he's done." The prosecution contended that the victims' accounts were more credible than Hoiby's, who frequently claimed an inability to clearly recall events during the trial.
The 29-year-old Hoiby faces 40 charges, including four counts of rape, with prosecutors alleging some incidents occurred while victims were asleep or unconscious. Additional accusations involve domestic violence against former partners, reckless driving, and drug-related crimes. Prosecutors seek convictions on 39 of the 40 counts, requesting acquittal on one alleged breach of a contact ban described as accidental. Hoiby has already served 63 days in pretrial detention, which could be deducted from any potential sentence, and prosecutors have also requested a two-year restraining order against a former partner.
The trial has unfolded alongside renewed public scrutiny of Crown Princess Mette-Marit due to her past association with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Mette-Marit has apologized for "poor judgment" in maintaining contact with Epstein after his 2008 conviction. This case has sparked broader discussions in Norwegian society about the accountability of royal figures and the transparency of the judicial process, with the verdict expected to draw significant attention.
Source: www.dw.com