Commission Reopens Case of Svein Jemtland Following Concerns Over Illegal Searches in Norway

Svein Jemtland’s case is set to be reopened following a recent meeting of the Commission for Reopening Cases. Jemtland was sentenced to 17 years in prison in 2018 for the shooting death of Janne Jemtland outside their home in Brumunddal.

His attorney, Lars Mathias Undheim, expressed satisfaction that Jemtland’s concerns are being taken seriously, particularly regarding what they claim are at least 300 illegal strip searches conducted while he was detained in Hamar and Ullersmo prisons. The reopening commission stated that while it is uncertain how many searches took place and their nature, it appears the number exceeded 240.

Undheim emphasized that these actions contradict the human rights prohibition against degrading treatment, a point that has been confirmed by Norway’s Supreme Court. He indicated that they would seek a minimum of 175 days’ reduction in Jemtland’s sentence due to these violations.

The commission noted that illegal body searches were not addressed during the original sentencing, which could constitute a “new circumstance” warranting a case reopening. Undheim argues that this matter reflects a broader issue of human rights violations, asserting that it must be addressed publicly, regardless of individuals involved.