The judge addresses eye contact: - I do not want any of that
The judge in a high-profile case involving Marius Borg Høiby has expressed disapproval of eye contact between the defendant and the victim in court.
During a court session on Wednesday afternoon at Oslo District Court, Judge Jon Sverdrup Efjestad addressed the issue of eye contact between the defendant, Marius Borg Høiby, and the victim referred to as the 'Frogner woman'. The judge emphasized that he does not want to see such contact in the courtroom, stating that it could disrupt the proceedings. This reflects the court's strict approach to maintaining decorum during the ongoing trial.
The trial has been ongoing for six weeks and has focused significantly on the events surrounding an assault that occurred on August 4, 2024, which resulted in Høiby's arrest. Høiby has admitted to charges of violence and property damage related to the incident. The case gained media attention due to Høiby’s connections to the Norwegian royal family as the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit.
In addition to addressing the eye contact issue, the court has also reviewed audio recordings pertinent to the case. Høiby is currently under a restraining order against the victim, which has recently been extended for another six months. Such orders aim to safeguard individuals against potential further harm, highlighting the serious legal implications of the situation and the court's efforts to ensure the safety of the victim while processing the case against Høiby.