The European Council has decided to lift Thorbjørn Jagland’s immunity. This means that he can be investigated for benefits and favours he may have received from Epstein. Both Økokrim and the Minister of Foreign Affairs requested that the immunity be lifted. Jagland’s defence counsel says this is an opportunity to clear his name. Jagland is the most prominent politician to have been caught up in the Epstein scandal.

The other is the head of the World Economic Forum, Børge Brende.

Although the decision was not surprising, it is nonetheless a reminder that Jagland is in serious trouble.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has requested that Jagland’s immunity be lifted. Jagland chaired the Council of Europe from 2009 to 2019.

Last week, Økokrim decided to open an investigation against Jagland on suspicion of gross corruption following information in the Epstein documents.

Jagland has stated through his defence counsel that he is pleased that the case will be investigated and that they are confident of the outcome.

Økokrim has not previously gone into detail about what the suspicion against Jagland is based on, but according to Aftenposten, the head of Økokrim, Pål Lønseth, writes about this in an attached letter to the Council of Europe.

The letter states that Jagland and his family have used Epstein’s apartments in Paris and New York on several occasions, as well as an extended stay at his villa in Palm Beach, Florida. Jagland also agreed to have his travel and hotel expenses reimbursed, but this did not materialise. (NTB)

Aftenposten was the first to report the news.