Former Norwegian PM Jagland Hospitalized Amid Epstein Investigation

Former Norwegian Prime Minister Hospitalized Amid Epstein-Related Corruption Probe

Former Norwegian Prime Minister Thorbjørn Jagland has been hospitalized due to stress related to an ongoing corruption investigation linked to the Jeffrey Epstein case, his attorney confirmed Monday.

“Due to the strain arising in the wake of this case,” Jagland, 75, has required medical attention, according to a statement from Anders Brosveet of Elden Law Firm to Bloomberg.

Jagland’s hospitalization comes just two weeks after Norwegian authorities charged him with aggravated corruption following revelations in documents connected to the disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, who died in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.

The investigation has placed Jagland, who also served as secretary general of the Council of Europe and chairman of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, under intense scrutiny. Documents suggest he may have stayed at Epstein’s properties in Paris, New York, and Palm Beach while leading the Council of Europe, a significant claim given Epstein’s known associations with powerful global figures.

In a development that facilitated the investigation, the Council of Europe recently lifted Jagland’s immunity for his 10-year tenure with the organization. This unusual move allowed Norwegian authorities to proceed with their corruption investigation, which has already included searches of Jagland’s private residences.

Jagland has consistently denied any criminal wrongdoing and maintains he never visited Epstein’s notorious private island, a location associated with many of Epstein’s alleged crimes. Through his legal team, Jagland has stated he is cooperating with authorities while maintaining “there are no circumstances that constitute criminal liability.”

The corruption case extends beyond Jagland to include other prominent Norwegian diplomats. According to Bloomberg, police are also investigating Terje Rød-Larsen and his wife, Mona Juul, both respected figures in international diplomacy.

Jagland is perhaps best known internationally for his role in awarding the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize to then-President Barack Obama, a decision that sparked controversy globally. As the newly appointed chairman of the Norwegian Nobel Committee at the time, Jagland reportedly used his influence to secure a unanimous vote for Obama, despite the president having been in office for less than nine months when he received the award.

The timing of Obama’s nomination was particularly noteworthy, as the deadline for nominations was just 12 days after his inauguration. Jagland reportedly argued that the prize should not merely reward past achievements but could be used to “strengthen” a leader’s ongoing diplomatic efforts.

The Nobel decision has remained controversial, with former President Donald Trump criticizing it last October. “He got it for doing nothing,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. “Obama got a prize — he didn’t even know what [for] — he got elected, and they gave it to Obama for doing absolutely nothing but destroying our country.”

This investigation emerges amid a broader reckoning with Epstein’s connections to powerful figures worldwide. The financier’s network included politicians, business leaders, and royalty, many of whom have faced increased scrutiny since his death and subsequent document releases.

The case has also raised questions about accountability in international organizations and diplomatic circles. The Council of Europe’s decision to lift Jagland’s immunity signals a growing willingness to allow investigations into potentially compromised officials, regardless of their former status.

Norwegian authorities have not yet commented on when they expect to complete their investigation or what potential penalties Jagland might face if convicted. Aggravated corruption charges in Norway can carry significant prison sentences, depending on the severity of the offense.

Jagland’s legal team has indicated he will continue to cooperate with authorities while focusing on his recovery. The development marks a dramatic turn for a figure who once stood at the pinnacle of both Norwegian politics and international diplomacy.