Kopseng granted prison leave as victims express insecurity in Norway

Julio Kopseng, a serial offender serving a 21-year sentence for multiple rapes and an attempted rape against 20 women, is being granted leave from prison. Two of his victims have expressed feelings of insecurity during his release and have requested restraining orders from the police.

Kopseng is appealing the restraining orders, and a court has upheld his appeal in one case. His lawyer argues there is no human right to have a restraining order in place and affirms that Kopseng will not contact the victims. However, Helge André Njåstad from the Progress Party emphasizes that the safety of the victims should be the priority.

One of Kopseng’s previous partners, Marthe Steinmann, feels he continues to torment her. After Kopseng’s first leave, she requested a restraining order, which was initially granted, but then overturned by a court. Steinmann expressed her disbelief at this legal decision, questioning how it could happen.

Despite Kopseng’s recent denied request for temporary release due to the risk he poses, he has started receiving short leaves ranging from four to eight hours. Steinmann’s pleas for special alerts and a personal restraining order have been denied.

She maintains that while Kopseng deserves the opportunity for leave after serving time, her safety is also crucial. Advocates for victims, like the organization Aldri Aleine, are calling for lifetime restraining orders for anyone convicted of violent crimes within intimate relationships.

Steinmann’s anxiety intensifies with each leave, affecting her life significantly as she grapples with the implications of Kopseng’s increasing freedoms juxtaposed against her own sense of security.