By Riffat Kausar
SNN News Finland
Oslo Court Hears Evidence as Marius Borg Høiby Faces 38 Criminal Charges
The son of Norway’s Crown Princess has begun testifying in a high-profile criminal trial that has drawn widespread public and media attention across the country. Marius Borg Høiby, 29, is facing a total of 38 criminal charges, including multiple counts classified as rape under Norwegian law. The case is being heard in an Oslo district court and involves allegations spanning several years.
According to court documents, the most serious charges against Høiby include four counts legally defined as rape, one additional rape charge, and three cases of forced sexual acts, which Norwegian law also categorizes as rape. Prosecutors say the alleged offenses involve several women and occurred in different locations, including a property linked to the royal family.
Alleged Assault at Skaugum Royal Estate
During the latest court session, one of the alleged victims testified in connection with the first of the four rape cases cited by prosecutors. She told the court that the incident allegedly took place in 2018 at the Skaugum royal estate, located near Oslo. Skaugum is the official residence of Norway’s Crown Prince and Crown Princess.
In her testimony, the woman said she and Høiby initially engaged in brief consensual sexual contact, which she decided to stop. After that point, she told the court, her memory became unclear.
“I felt like I fell into a black hole,” she testified, adding that she could not recall what happened next.
Video Evidence Presented by Police
The alleged victim told the court that months later, investigators showed her a video recorded on a mobile phone, which prosecutors say depicts Høiby sexually assaulting her while she was asleep. The woman said watching the video was deeply distressing and confirmed for her that she had been raped.
She further testified that she is “100 percent certain” that her drink had been spiked with drugs, causing her to lose consciousness. Toxicology evidence and expert testimony are expected to be presented later in the trial to support or challenge this claim.
Norwegian prosecutors have not publicly detailed the substances allegedly involved, but they argue that the victim’s lack of memory and physical condition are consistent with drug-facilitated sexual assault.
Høiby’s Response in Court
During his testimony, Marius Borg Høiby appeared visibly emotional. Court observers reported that he repeatedly removed his glasses and wiped away tears as proceedings continued. Despite his emotional appearance, Høiby has maintained his innocence regarding the rape allegations.
At a previous court session, Høiby formally entered a not guilty plea to all rape charges. However, he partially admitted guilt in connection with physical violence against a former girlfriend, a separate charge included in the case.
His defense team argues that several of the encounters described by prosecutors were consensual and that the interpretation of evidence, including video material, is being contested. The defense has also questioned the reliability of certain witness testimonies.
Legal Stakes and Possible Sentence
If convicted on the most serious charges, Høiby could face a maximum prison sentence of up to 16 years under Norwegian law. Legal experts note that sentences in Norway are typically lower than in many other countries, but rape convictions can still result in lengthy incarceration, particularly when multiple offenses are involved.
The case includes a broad range of alleged crimes, and the court is expected to examine:
- Testimony from multiple alleged victims
- Digital evidence, including video recordings
- Medical and forensic reports
- Expert assessments related to memory loss and intoxication
Public Interest and Royal Context
Although Marius Borg Høiby does not hold a royal title and is not in the line of succession, his close connection to Norway’s royal family has intensified public interest in the trial. Norwegian media outlets have emphasized that the case is being handled as a standard criminal proceeding, with no special legal status afforded to the defendant.
The Norwegian Royal House has not commented in detail on the ongoing trial, citing respect for the legal process. Authorities have also stressed that the judiciary operates independently and that the case will be decided solely on the basis of evidence presented in court.
Broader Social Impact
The trial has reignited debate in Norway about sexual violence, consent, and accountability, particularly in cases involving powerful or well-known individuals. Advocacy groups have pointed to the case as a reminder of the challenges victims face in reporting sexual assault and navigating lengthy legal proceedings.
Legal analysts say the outcome could have broader implications for how Norwegian courts handle cases involving digital evidence and alleged drug-facilitated assaults.
What Happens Next
The trial is expected to continue for several weeks, with additional witnesses scheduled to testify. Prosecutors and defense attorneys will present further evidence before closing arguments are made. A verdict is expected later this year.
As proceedings continue, the case remains one of the most closely watched criminal trials in Norway in recent years, both because of its serious allegations and the defendant’s connection to the country’s royal family.
“Stay updated on Scandinavian royal family news and follow related high-profile court cases across Norway.”
About The Author
