The Supreme Court of Norway has denied an appeal regarding the acquittal of three women who followed Sylvi Listhaug, the leader of the Progress Party (Frp), through the streets of Oslo. This incident took place on March 13, 2024, and has drawn significant attention as Listhaug previously described it as one of her most troubling experiences while in office. The court's decision indicates that the appeal board did not find sufficient grounds to elevate the case to the Supreme Court, reinforcing the lower court's ruling against the aggressive prosecution of the demonstrators.

Listhaug, who was being followed from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the Parliament building, had expressed her discomfort over the incident, claiming it represented a severe violation of her personal safety and dignity as a public figure. However, the justification for the prosecution was deemed excessive by the courts, as the women were merely exercising their democratic rights by voicing their opinions and following a politician they were critical of, an action far from constituting an attack on the state. This highlights a tension between political expression and perception of threats in the political landscape of Norway.

The ruling has implications for how demonstrations are treated in Norway and could set a precedent regarding the limits of acceptable protest behavior. Advocates for free speech have welcomed the decision, viewing it as a necessary affirmation of the right to dissent, even under circumstances that public figures may find uncomfortable. The outcome emphasizes the importance of safeguarding democratic processes and the rights of citizens to express their views, regardless of the potential discomfort it may cause to elected officials.