Overview
- The Borgarting appeals court on Wednesday reversed an Oslo district court order that had temporarily freed Høiby, ruling he must remain in pre‑trial detention because judges found a high likelihood he could commit new offences.
- Prosecutors immediately appealed the district court release on Monday and won suspensive effect, so Høiby was not released while the appeals court reviewed the case.
- Høiby faces about 40 charges from a trial held earlier this year, including allegations of four rapes, and the prosecution has requested a prison term of seven years and seven months with the verdict due on 15 June.
- The legal fight was prompted by the severe illness of Crown Princess Mette‑Marit, who was placed on a waiting list for a lung transplant and whose care has driven Høiby's repeated humanitarian release requests.
- Defense lawyers said they are deeply disappointed and are weighing next steps after the appeal court decision, while the court noted Høiby's past breaches of a contact order and substance‑use history when judging reoffending risk.