Overview
- The Oslo District Court set strict rules prohibiting photos, video and audio throughout the hearings following defense requests, citing heavy media interest.
- Judge Jon Sverdrup Efjestad will preside over proceedings scheduled to run for several weeks with lay judges participating under Norwegian procedure.
- The indictment lists four alleged rapes, multiple assaults and a 2020 allegation of transporting 3.5 kilograms of cannabis, with prosecutors detailing claims that three alleged rapes occurred while women were asleep.
- Marius Borg Høiby remains free pending trial, denies the sexual‑offence allegations, and previously admitted attacking a then‑girlfriend in August 2024 while under the influence of alcohol and cocaine.
- Crown Prince Haakon said the royal family will not attend or comment during the trial, and noted that Crown Princess Mette‑Marit plans a private trip as official duties continue.