Former Norwegian PM Thorbjørn Jagland Hospitalized After Suicide Attempt Amid Corruption Charges
Thorbjørn Jagland's Hospitalization
Thorbjørn Jagland, the former Prime Minister of Norway, was reportedly admitted to the hospital about a week ago following a suicide attempt. This incident occurred shortly after he faced serious corruption charges related to his connections with convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. A report from a Norwegian news outlet, iNyheter, indicated that an agreement was reached between the press at the Norwegian Editors' Association and Jagland’s attorney, Anders Brosveet, on February 17, to refrain from covering this incident. However, the publication decided to disclose the information based on a reliable source, noting that Jagland's health condition is critical. The specific hospital where he is receiving treatment has not been revealed.
Officials have not yet confirmed or denied these reports. Reidun Kjelling Nybø, Secretary General of the Norwegian Editors' Association, later communicated via email to iNyheter that there was no agreement made with Jagland’s lawyer regarding the reporting of this situation. She clarified that background information was shared to ensure adherence to press ethics, arguing that iNyheter’s claims did not align with the information provided by the lawyer.
Details Surrounding Jagland's Charges
What Is Being Reported On Jagland's Attempted Suicide
Jagland was officially charged with gross corruption on February 12. On the same day, law enforcement conducted thorough searches of his residences, including an apartment in Oslo and another in Risør, which attracted significant media attention. In a brief statement to NRK that morning, Jagland expressed his relief that the matter was being clarified, stating, “I only have one thing to say, and that is that I am very happy that the matter is being clarified. Nothing more to say.” When asked for further comments, he indicated that his lawyer had provided sufficient information.
To advance the corruption investigation, Norway’s financial crime unit, Økokrim, requested the Council of Europe to lift Jagland’s immunity, which was revoked just before the searches were conducted. Jagland previously held the position of Prime Minister from 1996 to 1997, led the Norwegian Nobel Committee, and served as Secretary General of the Council of Europe from 2009 to 2019, during which he enjoyed diplomatic immunity.
Connections Between Jagland and Epstein
Jagland–Epstein Links Explained
According to Økokrim's correspondence with the Council of Europe, Jagland and his family reportedly utilized Epstein’s private residences in Paris and New York several times between 2011 and 2018, and also visited his villa in Palm Beach, Florida. The letter suggested that Epstein likely funded travel expenses for six adults during one of these visits. Jagland had also accepted an offer for travel and accommodation expenses for six adults for a planned trip to the Caribbean, which ultimately did not take place. Furthermore, Jagland allegedly sought Epstein's help regarding a bank loan, though it is unclear if this request was fulfilled. While his name surfaced in documents associated with the “Epstein files,” these documents do not confirm any wrongdoing.
As the Department of Justice released files related to Epstein, several notable Norwegian figures were also mentioned, including Crown Princess Mette-Marit, diplomats Mona Juul and Terje Rød-Larsen, and Børge Brende, CEO of the World Economic Forum. Jagland’s legal representatives assert that he denies any criminal wrongdoing and is prepared to assist investigators.