The eldest son of the Norwegian Crown Princess Mette-Marit, Marius Borg Høiby, has been released from prison, but is forced to go under house arrest. The responsible court in Oslo ruled that the pre-trial detention will remain in effect for another four weeks, broadcaster NRK reported. From now on, the 29-year-old man can be under house arrest with an electronic ankle bracelet.
The prosecutor filed a complaint. She requested an extension of her pre-trial detention by four weeks. Hojbi’s lawyer Petar Sekulic said his client was satisfied with the decision. “It’s an option he can live with for the next few weeks and then we’ll see what happens after that,” he said.
In June, Mette-Marit’s son was sentenced to four years in prison. The verdict is not final yet. He was found guilty of, among other things, two counts of rape under Norwegian law and violence against an ex-girlfriend. There is a ban on communicating with her, which Hoiby has already violated several times. The police saw a risk that he would commit further crimes.
Hoiby has been in custody since his trial began in February. He has asked for his release several times in recent months. The reason: he wanted to be with his mother Mette-Marit, who was seriously ill with her lungs. So far he has not been able to apply.
Hoiby appealed the verdict. A possible appeal process could take place next year. It is unclear whether the Norwegian will remain in custody or under house arrest until then.
Marius Borg Hoiby