A member of Norway's royal family, who was already facing several charges related to alleged sexual assaults and acts of violence, has now been charged with an additional six counts, including one of allegedly transporting at least 3.5 kilograms of marijuana between two towns in Norway.
Marius Borg Hoiby, a son of Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit, will answer to the new charges alongside the original charges in an Oslo court on Feb 3. The proceedings are expected to last until March 14.
Hoiby is now facing a total of 38 counts, including four of alleged rape, allegations of abuse in a close relationship, acts of violence, violations of a restraining order, making death threats, and traffic violations. He could face up to 10 years in jail if convicted.
Oslo state attorney Sturla Henriksbo said on Monday that Hoiby, who is currently free ahead of his trial, is accused of assaulting his female victims while they slept.
"This case is very serious," Henriksbo told Agence France-Presse, or AFP. "Rape and violence in close relationships are very serious acts that can leave lasting traces and destroy lives. The fact that Marius Borg Hoiby is a member of the royal family should, of course, not mean that he should be treated more lightly or more severely than if similar acts had been committed by others."
Norwegian news agency NTB quoted Hoiby's lawyer, Ellen Holager Andenaes, as saying that, in relation to the latest charges, her client admits he "on one occasion transported marijuana from A to B without earning a penny".
Hoiby's family has made few comments about the allegations but his mother, Mette-Marit, and his stepfather, Crown Prince Haakon, told The Times newspaper in late December they were taking the situation very seriously.
"The thing that perhaps upsets me the most is being criticized for how we've handled it as parents, that we didn't take it seriously. I find that hard," Mette-Marit said.
Hoiby's step-grandfather, King Harald, told the paper the royal family will accept the court's ruling and continue with "business as usual" in the meantime.
"I'd like to say that we feel for all those who are affected," he added. "We feel for them and hope they will be OK and get better after the trial."
Hoiby was first arrested on Aug 4, 2024, after being accused of assaulting his then-girlfriend. He has since admitted some acts of violence but continues to deny most of the charges against him.
Shortly after his initial arrest, Hoiby issued a statement, saying he had acted "under the influence of alcohol and cocaine after an argument" and that he had been plagued with "mental troubles" because of his "substance abuse".
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