Politics Epstein scandal: Norway's former prime minister in hospital
According to his lawyer, former Norwegian Prime Minister Thorbjørn Jagland has been hospitalized as a result of the Epstein scandal. This was reported by the NTB news agency, among others. The 75-year-old is therefore receiving long-term medical care. Jagland is one of the most prominent personalities to have come under pressure following the release of the files on sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
24.02.2026, 21:21
SDA
The authorities in Norway are investigating allegations of serious corruption. During his time in the Council of Europe, the former top politician is said to have stayed in Epstein's apartments in Paris and New York and vacationed at his property in Palm Beach. The US multimillionaire Epstein, who died in custody in 2019, had run an abuse ring for years with a still unknown number of victims, some of whom were minors.
Searches in Norway
Jagland's lawyer had stated that his client was cooperating with the relevant investigating authority, but that he did not believe that there were any circumstances that would lead to criminal prosecution. Officials from the authority for combating white-collar crime had carried out searches at the 75-year-old's residences.
Following his time as Prime Minister (1996 to 1997), Jagland had been Secretary General of the Council of Europe and Chairman of the Norwegian Nobel Committee for many years. At Norway's request, the Council of Europe recently lifted the immunity relating to Jagland's term of office as Secretary General of the human rights organization from 2009 to 2019.
