A local politician in the Follo region of Norway has been released from custody after 42 weeks of detention.
A unanimous decision by the Eidsivating Court of Appeal on Friday, November 6, authorized the release, concluding that the risk of reoffending was not sufficiently substantiated.
The politician remains under investigation for multiple counts of child rape, involving victims both over and under the age of 14. Additional charges include sexual conduct and attempted sexual conduct with children between the ages of 14 and 16, as well as offensive behavior toward children under 16 and possession of child abuse material.
According to NRK, the investigation has identified 49 individuals with victim status in the case, ranging from adults to children born as recently as 2014.
“Noen av de fornærmede er nå blitt voksne, mens de yngste er født i 2014.”
said police attorney Stian Moltke-Hansen Tveiten.
While the police disagree with the court’s decision regarding the risk of reoffending, they have stated they will abide by the ruling.
“Politiet er uenige i den vurderingen, men tar det til etterretning.”
said police attorney Stian Moltke-Hansen Tveiten.
The politician was initially arrested in January as part of a large-scale operation by the Eastern Police District targeting online child abuse. During that January operation, police apprehended 20 individuals ranging from 18 to 60 years old. He was first detained on charges related to the possession of images and videos sexualizing a minor.
At the time of the initial arrest, the police attorney said that the abuse material identified in the broader case could involve several thousand children. By August, the number of identified victims had reached 25, and this figure rose to 49 by October.
Siktede Erkjenner Straffskyld for Flere Forhold Før Rettssaken
“Siktede har erkjent straffskyld for flere forhold i saken, men ikke for postene som gjelder fysisk overgrep og befatning med overgrepsmateriale.”
said Tveiten. The investigation into the politician is now complete, and the case is scheduled for trial in April of next year. The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions is currently determining whether to formally issue an indictment.
