Marius Borg Høiby could be released from pre-trial detention after Oslo District Court (Oslo tingrett) ruled in his favour on Monday, 2 November. But prosecutors have appealed the decision and asked for it to be suspended, meaning the 29-year-old will remain in custody while a higher court considers the challenge.
The decision was reported on Monday afternoon by Norwegian broadcasters NRK and TV 2. Police prosecutor Oda Karterud confirmed that the prosecution would appeal with suspensive effect, preventing Høiby’s immediate release. The court’s written reasoning had not yet been circulated when the decision was first reported.
Why prosecutors oppose Marius Borg Høiby’s release
Prosecutors had sought another four weeks of detention, arguing that there was still a risk of Høiby committing further offences. According to TV 2, they cited the history of the case, including repeated offences over a relatively short period, and concerns related to substance use.
Defence lawyers Daniel Storrvik and Alexander Greaker disputed that assessment. They argued that Høiby had demonstrated that he could avoid both drugs and further offences during his time in custody. After the ruling, Storrvik said his client was relieved, while acknowledging that the decision was not yet final.
Storrvik also criticised the decision to appeal before the court’s reasoning had been made available. As reported by TV 2, he said:
“The prosecution appealed the outcome without knowing the court’s reasoning.”
Høiby has been under electronic monitoring at Skaugum
Høiby has been detained since February 2026. Since July, he has been held under electronic monitoring at a separate house on the Skaugum estate in Asker, home to his mother, Queen Mette-Marit.
Under the arrangements described by VG, he must generally remain inside the house or on its terrace unless authorised to leave for specific purposes. He is also subject to unannounced drug tests, although he can receive visitors and use his phone and the internet. His lawyers said the restrictions had become increasingly difficult for him.
A separate appeal trial is due in February 2027
On 15 June, Oslo District Court sentenced Høiby to four years in prison, including convictions for the rape of two women and domestic abuse against his former partner Nora Haukland. Høiby disputes those convictions and has appealed. Prosecutors have separately appealed the length of the sentence, which they consider too lenient.
The separate appeal trial before the Borgarting Court of Appeal (Borgarting lagmannsrett) is due to begin on 9 February 2027. The November dispute concerns his continued detention pending that trial, not a reversal of the June convictions. For now, whether Høiby can leave custody depends on the higher court’s response to the prosecution’s appeal.
