Kenneth Glad
A decision is looming in one of Norway’s most closely followed criminal cases. As the court prepares to deliver its judgment, a separate request could alter how the accused spends his remaining time in custody.
Marius Borg Høiby is awaiting a verdict in Oslo District Court after facing allegations of rape and abuse involving a former partner.
He denies the most serious accusations but has acknowledged other offenses during proceedings, according to Nettavisen.
Prosecutors and defense lawyers remain far apart on sentencing, with the outcome expected in early June.
Authorities placed Høiby in pre-trial detention on February 1, citing concerns about possible repeat offenses.
Attempts to secure his release were rejected earlier this year, with appellate judges concluding that the risk had not diminished sufficiently.
Request under new law
Rather than seeking freedom outright, Høiby is now asking to serve detention under electronic monitoring.
The request is based on a recently introduced law that allows pre-trial custody to be carried out outside prison in certain cases.
The timing is notable. With a verdict approaching, the defense is proposing a controlled alternative that would still impose strict limits on his movements while removing him from a prison environment.
“We believe this is sufficiently addressed by him remaining in pre-trial detention without necessarily being in prison. He would be required to stay at a specific location with an electronic tag, and compliance would be monitored,” defense lawyer Rene Ibsen said earlier this week, as reported by the Norwegian outlet.
Whether that argument will persuade the court remains uncertain. Prosecutors are expected to respond before a hearing takes place.
Housing and conditions
A stable residence is required for electronic monitoring, and that question has been central to the request.
According to Nettavisen, a solution has been found at Skaugum, where Høiby has previously lived.
“He no longer has the Frogner apartment, so we had to find another solution for where he would live. The house he used at Skaugum is empty, so it was natural that he could move back there,” Ibsen said.
Details of the arrangement are limited, though the defense indicated that family members were involved in organizing the tenancy. The Royal Household has not commented, describing the matter as private.
Beyond legal arguments, conditions in custody have also drawn attention. During the trial, it emerged that Høiby has been kept separate from other inmates, partly due to the nature of the allegations. Nettavisen writes that correctional authorities have assessed his safety as a concern.
He remains subject to a restraining order involving the alleged victim, in place until September 2026.
Police prosecutor Oda Karterud confirmed that the request for electronic monitoring has been received and will be reviewed before being presented to the court.
Sources: Nettavisen
