Norways Crown Princess Son Denies Rape Charges at Trial Opening

Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s Son Pleads Not Guilty to Multiple Charges

Marius Borg Hoiby, the son of Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit and stepson of Crown Prince Haakon, has pleaded not guilty to four counts of rape as a trial began at the Oslo District Court. The 29-year-old faces 38 charges, including domestic violence, assault, and drug possession.

Hoiby entered his plea on Tuesday, marking the start of proceedings that have drawn attention due to the royal family’s previous association with Jeffrey Epstein, an American sex offender. Crown Princess Mette-Marit has acknowledged her regret over not thoroughly investigating Epstein’s background during their interactions.

The trial will involve multiple hearings, including some behind closed doors, as per court orders. Hoiby was arrested on Sunday following new accusations of assault, threats with a knife, and violating a restraining order. His defence lawyer, Petar Sekulic, stated that the latest arrest followed an alleged incident involving another person but declined to provide further details.

Hoiby is accused of committing four rapes between 2018 and 2024, as well as violence and threats against a former partner from 2022 to 2023. He also faces charges related to two acts of violence against another partner and violating restraining orders. Sekulic has maintained that Hoiby denies all charges of sexual abuse and the majority of charges regarding violence.

The trial coincides with the royal family facing criticism over their connection to Epstein, who was recently the subject of a US Department of Justice investigation. The investigation released documents mentioning Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s interactions with Epstein hundreds of times.

Source: Al Jazeera