AP
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Norwegian prosecutors announced Monday that after a lengthy investigation, the eldest son of a Norwegian princess had indicted multiple charges, including rape.
Oslo State Attorney Starla Henrixbo said Marius Borg Hoyby could face up to 10 years in prison if convicted. The charges filed in Oslo District Court include 32 counts, including rape, abuse in close relationships with one former partner, and violence against another. Other charges include death threats and traffic violations.
Hoiby, the son of 28-year-old Princess Mette Maritt and the son-in-law of the heir to the prince of the throne, has no royal title or official obligations. He has been scrutinized since he was repeatedly arrested last year on various allegations of fraud. He was a free pending trial and Henriksbo said there was no reason to arrest him and jail him at the moment.
Henriksbø estimates that the trial will begin in mid-January and could take around six weeks, NRK reported.
Defence counsel Petal Secrek said in an email response to the indictment that “our clients deny all charges of sexual abuse and the majority of charges of violence.” He added that Hoiby will “provide a detailed description of his version of the event before the court.”
The Palace said it was up to the court to process the case and reach a decision, and nothing was added beyond that.