Marius Borg Høiby trial: Hall laughs after judge’s statement

The questioning of Borg Høiby had already taken up a lot of time the day before; Instead of the planned three hours, his questioning lasted six hours. The court then discussed how best to structure the rest of the schedule – and postponed the questioning of witnesses that was to follow until another day.

When the remaining questioning on the 15th day of the trial took more time than planned, judge Jon Sverdrup Efjestad spoke up. “I’m visibly stressed,” he said, looking at the day’s schedule and keeping a straight face. Then he smiled slightly, and the room, including the lawyers, the audience and the journalists, laughed.

Defense attorney Ellen Holager Andenæs giggles sheepishly

Borg Høiby’s defender Ellen Holager Andenæs also caused a laugh a little later. She was currently addressing Høiby’s separation from his girlfriend Nora Haukland, who shortly afterwards appeared in front of the camera for the TV format “Kompani Lauritzen”. Borg Høiby had hinted that Haukland was considering a romantic comeback with him after filming.

“Was it (the separation, editor’s note) because she wanted to be free during the filming of ‘Kompani Lauritzen’ and not have any jealousies?” asked Holager Andenæs.

Judge Sverdrup Efjestad intervened. “Perhaps ask a slightly less leading question, defender,” he said, cutting off the leading question.

“Was that a bit managerial?” asked Holager Andenæs rhetorically, looking somewhat embarrassed at her documents. She giggled slightly. “It happens so quickly.” The room, including the judge, also laughed along.

Borg Høiby often cries in the courtroom

A few minutes later, her client Borg Høiby burst into tears during questioning. He spoke about the most difficult time in his life – the time when he avoided being questioned by the police. Out of fear of the media, as he said. At that time, the now 29-year-old had lived in seclusion in his house for months and many friends had turned away from him because of the violence and rape allegations.

It is not unusual for Borg Høiby to cry in court. It usually happens quite suddenly. He quickly reaches for the tissue box, takes a deep breath and dabs the tears from his eyes. He then continues, his voice choked with tears and excited, but he quickly catches himself.

His tears move almost no one

Of course, only he knows whether Borg Høiby is crying out of anger or sadness and whether the tears are real. At times it seems as if Marius is simply an impulsive person – controlled by his emotions. Not only friends of his ex-partner suggested this in the trial, but also a friend of Borg Høiby.

Those present in the room have apparently gotten used to the 29-year-old’s emotional outbursts. When the tears flow, none of those involved in the process can be seen on their faces. Even the audience seems relatively unmoved; Only rarely does anyone look over at Marius with pity. For the most part, the audience looks focused – or even skeptical.

Fans come especially for star influencer Sophie Elise Isachsen

Sophie Elise Isachsen, who testified for her friend Haukland on the 15th day of the trial, caused a stir in the audience. Apparently, younger viewers in particular had bought a visitor card especially for the appearance of the influencer – one of the most successful in Norway.

After her explanation, some fans waited outside the door – probably hoping to get a photo or autograph. However, the crowd of journalists that besieged the influencer as she quickly left the courthouse made any approach impossible.