Kenneth Glad
The case began in a private home and ended with a criminal judgment. It has drawn attention to how far religious practice can go when a person needs medical care.
An elderly Norwegian couple has been convicted after carrying out repeated exorcisms on a mentally ill young woman who lived in their home for nine months.
Norwegian public broadcaster NRK reported, citing the court judgment, that Solveig, 79, and Steinar, 81, from Hallingdal were found guilty of serious and prolonged abuse, deprivation of liberty and failing to secure necessary health care.
The woman, identified by the outlet as “E” to protect her identity, had moved in voluntarily in autumn 2020.
She was taking medication at the time, but medical treatment was later replaced by prayer and attempts to cast out demons.
Treatment was abandoned
The couple were not acting for any church. According to NRK and Christian outlet Dagen, they practiced their faith independently and believed the woman’s suffering was caused by evil spirits.
In a podcast produced by the two outlets, Solveig described the rituals directly. “We commanded the demons: Be gone in Jesus’ name!”
She also said: “These forces are stubborn, they do not want to let go. They cling on as hard as they can.”
Over time, the woman’s phone and computer were removed, and she was sometimes locked in a room.
Video recordings later used as evidence showed exorcism sessions in the house.
Sisters called emergency services
The case reached police after two of the woman’s sisters visited in July 2021 and contacted emergency services.
When officers entered the home, they found religious commands on the walls, a refrigerator tied with rope and a padlock, and a sink sealed with tape, writes NRK.
By then, the woman had lost about 20 kilograms, or 44 pounds, and needed urgent hospital treatment.
Medical help was, however, not sought during the months she stayed with the couple.
Faith does not erase responsibility
Religious belief is protected in Norway, including prayer and belief in demons. But the law still applies when a vulnerable person is isolated, restrained, neglected or kept from necessary care.
The court rejected the couple’s explanation that they were only trying to help. Both were sentenced to seven months in prison and ordered to pay compensation.
Still, they have stood by their actions. “We only wanted to help,” they said.
The Hallingdal case has also put attention on exorcism in parts of Norwegian Christian life.
Vebjørn Selbekk, editor-in-chief of Dagen, told NRK he believes such practices have become more visible. “My impression is that there is more of this now than there has been for a long time.”
Sources: NRK, Dagen
