Earthquake in Oslo: Jeffrey Epstein's ties shake the Norwegian elite

The Norwegian parliament has begun a series of public hearings on the ties of diplomats and politicians to Jeffrey Epstein, following the release of millions of documents by the U.S. Department of Justice. The committee has summoned 11 current and former ministers, including Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. In parallel, a rare external investigative committee has been appointed, set to deliver its findings in 2028.

The Norwegian parliament today began a series of public hearings regarding the ties of diplomats and politicians in the country with the late American sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The hearings are being held following the decision of the U.S. Department of Justice, under the administration of President Donald Trump, to release millions of documents related to Epstein last January, revealing an extensive network of ties with politicians, royalty, and the world's wealthy. The committee has summoned 11 current and former foreign ministers and development ministers, including Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, who served as foreign minister between 2005 and 2012. Støre claimed he never had contact with Epstein. Former Foreign Minister Børge Brende resigned from his position as president of the World Economic Forum following the exposure of his ties to Epstein, stating he was unaware of his criminal past. In contrast, former Development Minister Erik Solheim criticized the investigation, calling it an "overreaction." Meanwhile, a number of prominent figures, including former Prime Minister Thorbjørn Jagland, are under police investigation on suspicion of corruption. Queen Sonja apologized for her friendship with Epstein. The parliament appointed a rare external committee of academics and legal experts, which will review over 30 years of diplomatic history and submit its findings in early 2028.