- Marius Borg Høiby released from custody
- New allegations under investigation
- Lawyer critiques police actions
Marius Borg Høiby, son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit, was released from police custody on Wednesday after being held for over a week. The 27-year-old was initially arrested in Oslo last week on suspicion of rape. However, even with his release, the police are now delving into a new alleged sexual offense, for which he hasn't been charged yet. The Oslo district police, responsible for the investigation, announced his release, stating there was no longer a threat of him tampering with evidence or influencing witnesses.
Marius faces multiple charges
Despite his release, Marius remains charged with two counts of rape without sexual intercourse, which he denies. Additionally, he is charged with violence in close relationships, damage, threats, and breaching two restraining orders. The possibility of a third offense is also under investigation. His lawyer, Øyvind Bratlien, expressed to Norwegian media outlet NRK: "It's not surprising. He should not have been imprisoned at all."
Lawyer criticizes police conduct
Bratlien has been vocal about his dissatisfaction with the police's handling of the case, emphasizing the need for "calm and sober assessments from the police in the future." He criticized the police force for contributing to a "circus," following Marius' arrest on August 4 for allegedly attacking his girlfriend, which led to his initial 30-hour custody. Marius was rearrested on September 15 for violating a restraining order.
Marius has been interviewed by police eight times, during which he denied assaulting two former girlfriends, Nora Haukland and Juliane Snekkestad, who came forward after his August arrest. While admitting to assaulting his current girlfriend, he maintains his innocence regarding the allegations from his former partners. His lawyer confirmed on Norwegian channel TV2 that Marius has completed his interrogations, taking responsibility for his part in turbulent relationships but not declaring guilt in the cases of Haukland and Snekkestad.
