The Council of Europe has made a significant decision to lift the immunity of its former Secretary General, Thorbjørn Jagland, which now permits Norwegian law enforcement to conduct an investigation into allegations related to his connections with Jeffrey Epstein. This development comes after reports surfaced linking Jagland to Epstein, including claims of a guarantee for an apartment purchase and multiple stays at Epstein's properties in New York and Paris. Current Secretary General Alain Berset emphasized the importance of this decision in allowing Jagland to defend himself should any charges be filed against him.

Jagland's attorney, Anders Brosveet, has stated that his client is taking the situation seriously but also maintains that there are no significant circumstances from a criminal law perspective. The allegations surrounding Jagland arose from documents released by Epstein, with Norwegian media outlet Verdens Gang highlighting these connections. Jagland had previously described his ties to Epstein as part of normal diplomatic activities, but he has acknowledged a lapse in judgment regarding these associations.

At 75 years old, Thorbjørn Jagland has had a long career in Danish and European politics, having served as Secretary General from 1996 to 2004. The implications of this investigation could have far-reaching consequences not only for Jagland but also for the credibility of the Council of Europe, which relies on the integrity of its leaders. The public and legal scrutiny of such high-profile figures exemplifies the broader societal shift towards accountability in the wake of the Epstein scandal, raising questions about the relationships and ethical standards of those in prominent positions.