Marius Borg Høiby appeals four-year rape sentence, accepts pre-trial detention until July

Conviction and sentence

Marius Borg Høiby was convicted in mid-June by the Oslo District Court of 34 criminal offenses, including two counts of rape under Norwegian law. He received a four-year prison term. The court heard four rape charges but convicted on two, both involving digital penetration of a sleeping victim. The verdict also covered abuse in a relationship with a former girlfriend.

Appeal filed

On 24 June, Høiby's lawyer Petar Sekulic confirmed to Norwegian news agency NTB that his client had formally lodged an appeal against the conviction. Høiby maintains his innocence on the rape charges.

“He declares himself innocent regarding these charges and believes his detention is a mistake. Since he insists on his innocence, he is appealing.”

Detention status

Høiby has been in pre-trial custody since early February after breaching a restraining order against an ex-girlfriend. Following the verdict, he immediately applied for release, citing his mother's serious illness. The court refused, and Høiby has now accepted that decision, his lawyer told Aftenposten. He will remain detained at least until mid-July. Courts have repeatedly denied bail, citing a risk he would contact the ex-girlfriend again or commit further violence against her.

Mother's health

Crown Princess Mette-Marit suffers from incurable pulmonary fibrosis and recently underwent a lung transplant. Høiby's request to visit her was rejected by the court despite her condition.

Next steps

The appeal trial is likely to take place next year, according to Norwegian media reports. The court has indicated that if proceedings drag on, alternatives such as electronic monitoring with an ankle bracelet should be considered.