Marius Borg Høiby Trial: Second Week Focuses on Victim Testimony and Heart Rate Data
The high-profile criminal case against Marius Borg Høiby, 29, entered its second week on Tuesday with the victim, identified as B, beginning her testimony. The trial centers around allegations of rape and unlawful filming, with the prosecution presenting evidence including data from a pulse watch worn by the alleged victim during the incident.
The case, which has garnered significant public attention, revolves around an alleged rape that occurred in Lofoten in the autumn of 2023. Prosecutors allege Høiby engaged in sexual intercourse with the victim, and also secretly filmed her abdomen without her consent. Høiby has pleaded not guilty to both charges. Attempts to reach the victim’s legal counsel, Lill Vassbotn, for comment have so far been unsuccessful.
From Tinder Match to Allegations of Sexual Assault
The first week of the trial revealed that Høiby and the victim initially connected on the dating app Tinder before meeting at a social gathering known as a “nachspiel.” Prior to the gathering, Høiby had attended an event with Crown Prince Haakon at a nightclub. According to prosecutor Sturla Henriksbø, the initial sexual contact between Høiby and the victim was consensual at the nachspiel, but escalated into non-consensual intercourse when the victim was allegedly incapacitated due to sleep or intoxication.
“A film was later found of the woman’s bare abdomen, while she was not moving,” Henriksbø stated during the opening procedure.
Expanding Indictment Details 38 Separate Charges
The scope of the accusations against Høiby extends far beyond the initial allegations. The public prosecutor has brought a total of 38 charges against him, encompassing a pattern of alleged offenses. These include:
- Four counts of rape
- Abuse within a close relationship against a former partner
- Multiple acts of violence, breach of peace, property damage, and violation of a restraining order against another former roommate
- Filming the abdomens of numerous women without their knowledge or consent
- Additional charges including death threats, assaulting law enforcement, and various traffic violations
On January 19, 2026, authorities added six further charges to the indictment:
- One case of gross violation of the Narcotics Act
- Two new violations of a restraining order
- Three instances of reckless motorcycle operation
Heart Rate Monitor Data Under Scrutiny
A key piece of evidence in the prosecution’s case is data collected from a pulse watch worn by the victim during the alleged assault. Authorities hope to use the heart rate data to determine whether the victim was asleep or otherwise incapacitated at the time of the incident. However, prosecutor Henriksbø acknowledged potential irregularities and inaccuracies in the heart rate monitor’s measurements.
To address these concerns, sleep expert and professor Ståle Pallesen has been called to testify as an expert witness on Thursday. He will provide an independent assessment of the heart rate data and its reliability in determining the victim’s state of consciousness.
The trial is expected to continue as the prosecution builds its case, and the defense prepares to challenge the evidence presented. The outcome of this case will undoubtedly have significant implications for all parties involved.
Keep reading
