Dagbladet: Mona Juul has returned her diplomatic passport
Mona Juul has handed back her diplomatic passport following her resignation as ambassador due to her controversial connections with Jeffrey Epstein, and faces charges of serious corruption by Økokrim.
Mona Juul, the former ambassador of Norway to Jordan and Iraq, has recently returned her diplomatic passport following her resignation amid controversies surrounding her connections with Jeffrey Epstein. The return of the diplomatic passport is a standard procedure for ambassadors who step down from their positions. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that they will adhere to the usual practices following Juul's departure from her ambassadorial role.
In addition to the procedural aspects of her resignation, Juul faces serious allegations of corruption, as Økokrim, Norway's national authority for investigation and prosecution of economic crime and corruption, has charged her with serious corruption. Her lawyer has stated that Juul does not recognize the charges against her and views the investigation positively, as it will clarify the factual circumstances of the matter. This legal challenge adds a significant layer to her already complicated departure from the diplomatic scene.
The ongoing investigation and the implications of the corruption charges against Juul are significant not only for her professional reputation but also for the trust in Norway's diplomatic service. As these developments unfold, they underscore the broader issues of accountability and ethical conduct among public officials, particularly in diplomatic roles, and their implications for international relations and Norway's image abroad.