Son of Norway's crown princess denies four counts of rape as trial begins

"The son of Norway's crown princess has pleaded not guilty to four counts of rape on the first day of his trial for multiple offences, a legal saga that has embarrassed the royal family and raised questions over domestic abuse in Norway. Appearing in front of a packed courtroom at Oslo district court on Tuesday morning, Marius Borg Hiby also denied charges including abuse in close relationships and filming women's genitals without their knowledge."

"The lead prosecutor, Sturla Henriksb, said that despite Hiby's status there should be equality before the law. The defendant is the son of the crown princess. He is part of the royal family. He should still be treated equally like any other person charged with the same offences. He should not be treated more severely or more leniently because of those with whom he is related, Henriksb told the court."

"Hiby, 29, pleaded guilty to charges including sexually offensive behaviour, a serious drug offence, violation of a restraining order and several driving-related offences. He pleaded partially guilty to serious bodily harm, reckless behaviour and violation of a restraining order. His pleas for two of the charges, bodily injury and two cases of damage, were inaudible. He faces 38 charges in total."

Marius Borg Hiby, 29, pleaded not guilty to four counts of rape on the first day of his trial and denied additional charges including abuse in close relationships and secretly filming women's genitals. He admitted guilt for sexually offensive behaviour, a serious drug offence, a restraining-order violation and several driving-related offences, and pleaded partially guilty to serious bodily harm, reckless behaviour and another restraining-order violation. Two pleas were inaudible. He faces 38 charges in total. The lead prosecutor emphasized equality before the law and stated that society must prosecute serious crimes even when victims do not request prosecution. Courtroom details included a packed Oslo district court and Hiby seated between his defence lawyers.

Read at www.theguardian.com