Pre-trial detention of Marius Borg Høiby to be extended by four weeks
Norwegian prosecutors seek four additional weeks of pre-trial detention with electronic monitoring for Marius Borg Høiby. His defence counsel has signalled agreement.
Prosecutors seek extension of pre-trial detention with electronic monitoring
Norwegian prosecutors want to extend pre-trial detention for Marius Borg Høiby (29), eldest son of Queen Mette-Marit (53), by four weeks. BILD reports this citing Norwegian media. The current detention order expires on 7 September; prosecutors are seeking four additional weeks under electronic monitoring.
Police lawyer Oda Karterud confirmed: "The prosecution will seek to extend pre-trial detention for Marius Borg Høiby with electronic monitoring." Defence counsel Petar Sekulic told Norwegian newspaper Dagbladet that his client would consent to the extension — although Høiby himself sees no risk of him reoffending.
With regard to the forthcoming funeral of King Harald V (†89), whom he regarded as his step-grandfather, Høiby wished "no attention and no fuss", according to his lawyer.
House arrest at royal estate Skaugum
Høiby has been in pre-trial detention since February. Since mid-July, he has no longer served this in Ila prison, but under house arrest with electronic monitoring at Skaugum, the Norwegian royal family's estate. He is generally only permitted to leave the house for approved appointments — most recently, for instance, during the transfer of King Harald's coffin from the Red Salon of the Royal Palace to the palace chapel.
On 15 June, Høiby was sentenced to four years in prison, including for two rapes under Norwegian law and violence in a previous relationship. He denies the most serious allegations and has appealed; the sentence is therefore not yet final.
Exception for funeral on 9 September
Despite the current restrictions, Høiby was granted temporary release on several occasions in recent days to grieve for King Harald together with his family. He is also expected to be permitted to attend the funeral on 9 September. Following this, he is expected to return to Skaugum under the prosecution's instructions — with electronic monitoring. The public appearances as part of the funeral ceremonies were the first in many months in which Høiby appeared at a royal engagement.
Source: BILD