Police start investigation into Erna Solberg’s possible breach of corona rules
The police have decided to start an investigation into Prime Minister Erna Solberg's birthday gathering in Geilo due to a possible breach of the corona regulations.
“The investigation will clarify what has actually happened and whether this may be a violation of either local or central regulations,” the Southeast Police District stated in a press release.
The prosecuting authority will then assess whether there are grounds for other legal steps.
Case background
According to Norwegian Broadcasting (NRK), Solberg’s family gathered two nights in a row, and more than ten people ate dinner together. One night everyone was out eating – except the Prime Minister herself, she had eye problems.
According to the national infection control rules, that many people could not have gathered at a private event at a restaurant in February.
The day after the restaurant visit, the extended family of 14 people gathered, including Erna Solberg, in an apartment where they ate sushi.
Solberg apologizes
The Prime Minister apologized for the situation on Thursday evening.
“I, who inform the Norwegian people about infection control rules every single day stand, should have known the rules better.
“But the truth is that I have not checked the rules well enough, and thus I haven’t realized that when a family goes out together, and there are more than ten people, it is actually considered an event,” Solberg said.
“In retrospect, after NRK asked me the question whether this was not an event, we understood that it was in violation of the regulations. I just want to apologize for that,” Solberg said.
Professor: It’s a violation
Law professor Hans Fredrik Marthinussen told NRK that he believes this is a clear and undoubted violation of section 13 of the corona regulations, which defines what the authorities consider an event:
“An event, in the sense of this regulation, means the following: gatherings in a public place or in premises and outdoor areas that are rented or lent out, including hotels, parish houses, assembly halls, conference halls, and halls.”
“I believe that a rented apartment, without a doubt, falls under this definition. Does Solberg perhaps think that someone who rents a house or an apartment and invites 100 people only violates recommendations?” Marthinussen asked.
Source: © NTB Scanpix / #Norway Today / #NorwayTodayNews
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