Marius Borg Høiby calls Norwegian legal system “absurd and unreasonable”

A district court ruling denying Marius Borg Høiby’s request to serve pre-trial detention under house arrest at the royal estate Skaugum has prompted the 29-year-old to publicly criticise the Norwegian justice system, calling it “absurd and unreasonable.” The decision was reported by Dagbladet on Wednesday evening.

Oslo District Court rejected the application for electronic monitoring, with Judge Hans Nikolai Førde stating there was no evidence that the risk of reoffending had significantly decreased. Høiby, the eldest son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit, remains in pre-trial custody until his expected sentencing in June. His defence lawyer has already announced plans to appeal the decision.

In a commentary published in Nettavisen, Høiby described the psychological strain of discussing private matters in a courtroom filled with media, calling the experience “terrible.” He claimed the judge had already made up his mind before hearing his full statement, adding: “I experience that, unlike the rest of the population, I do not have legal certainty that meets Norwegian standards.”

Høiby also criticised the judge for publicly specifying that his request to spend time with a sick family member referred to his mother, Crown Princess Mette-Marit, who suffers from chronic pulmonary fibrosis. He argued that poor air quality in Oslo Prison makes visits difficult for her.

Addressing his detention conditions, Høiby wrote that he is held in near-isolation due to fears that his ex-partner might receive a message from him. “This is so absurd and unreasonable that I lack the words to express my frustration,” he stated, insisting he has no intention of violating any terms of house arrest.

Nils Leyell Finstad, governor of Oslo Prison, confirmed that parts of the facility are in poor condition and slated for demolition, though he noted that the visiting area is modern and well-maintained. Judge Førde declined to comment on Høiby’s statements, citing judicial protocol.

The ex-partner’s legal representative, Mette Yvonne Larsen, disputed Høiby’s claims, telling Dagbladet that her client had not initiated contact while he has been incarcerated since February 1. She added that Høiby had himself violated a restraining order during his imprisonment.

Høiby’s defence lawyer, René Ibsen, confirmed that the commentary was written independently by Høiby, emphasising his right to share his perspective on the proceedings.