Woman Suspects She Was Drugged During Incident Involving Norway Royal’s Son
Overview of the Trial
The trial of Marius Borg Høiby, the son of Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit, has opened under a cloud of serious allegations. The first woman to testify claimed feelings of betrayal and shock after viewing police videos that allegedly show her being sexually assaulted by Høiby years prior. Key details include:
– The incident occurred after an after-party at the royal family’s Skaugum residence, where the woman stated she had brief consensual sex with Høiby.
– Following that, she has no memory of the events and suspects she was drugged.
Charges Against Marius Borg Høiby
Høiby, 29, faces significant legal challenges as he denies four counts of rape while acknowledging some of the 34 other charges against him, which include drug transportation and speeding. Notably, he has not been accused of drugging anyone.
Courtroom Dynamics
During the trial:
– Høiby appeared visibly shaken and required hospital treatment after an alleged assault earlier this week.
– His mother, Crown Princess Mette-Marit, is enduring concurrent scrutiny over recently uncovered correspondence with Jeffrey Epstein.
Despite the royal family being engulfed in controversy, Mette-Marit is reportedly postponing private engagements until further notice.
Initial Testimonies and Evidence
The first day’s court session occurred behind closed doors, with limited media access. Certain grim details emerged:
– Police presented video evidence purportedly showing the woman being assaulted while incapacitated in December 2018.
– The woman described her state during the incident as appearing completely unconscious, and she suspected she had ingested something without her knowledge.
Legal Arguments
State prosecutor Sturla Henriksbø highlighted that the four women involved were either asleep or incapable of consent after initial consensual encounters. Defense attorney Ellen Holager Andenæs argued that Høiby perceived these encounters as normal and voluntary, stressing the importance of a fair trial amidst pervasive media scrutiny.
Public Sentiment and Political Reactions
The trial has sparked public debate across Norway, with recent polls indicating a drop in the royal family’s popularity to 60.9%. Additionally, a survey revealed that 44% of Norwegians believe Mette-Marit should not ascend to the role of queen.
Interestingly, the trial coincided with a parliamentary vote on a republican motion to abolish the monarchy, reaffirming its place with only 26 of 169 members supporting abolition.
Conclusion
The unfolding trial places not only Marius Borg Høiby at its center but also the Norwegian royal family under intense public scrutiny. As the proceedings continue, all eyes will be on how the court decides the allegations of drugging and sexual assault, alongside broader discussions about the monarchy’s future in Norway. The focus on whether or not the woman was drugged raises critical questions about consent and accountability within powerful families.