A jury in Norway has failed to reach a verdict in the high-profile murder trial of a man accused of acting as a hitman for a criminal network. The deadlock, announced this morning in Oslo District Court, means a retrial is now expected.
The defendant, a 34-year-old former soldier whose identity remains under a publication ban, was charged with the killing of a 45-year-old businessman in Oslo in 2022. Prosecutors alleged the murder was ordered by a rival organised crime group based in the Balkans. The accused maintained his innocence throughout the four-week trial, arguing he was a scapegoat in a broader geopolitical conflict.
The jury deliberated for 12 hours over two days before informing the judge they could not agree on a unanimous verdict. Under Norwegian law, a criminal conviction requires a two-thirds majority in a jury of 10. The foreman reported that seven members favoured acquittal while three supported conviction, falling short of the required threshold.
Judge Ingrid Steen declared a mistrial and ordered the defendant to remain in custody pending a retrial, which legal experts expect to be scheduled within six months. “The court acknowledges the jury’s diligent efforts but must respect their inability to reach consensus. A new trial will be convened promptly,” she stated.
The case has drawn significant international attention due to allegations that the killing was linked to a transnational organised crime network extending into the Western Balkans. Norwegian police have declined to comment on the jury’s deadlock, citing ongoing investigations.
Defence lawyer Erik Rød said he was “disappointed but not surprised” by the outcome, criticising the prosecution’s reliance on circumstantial evidence. The prosecution has indicated it will seek a retrial with an expanded jury panel.
This trial is one of several in Norway to test the country’s jury system, which has faced scrutiny for its susceptibility to deadlock in complex cases. Legal analysts note that retrials in serious criminal matters can strain judicial resources and delay closure for victims’ families.
The slain businessman’s family issued a brief statement expressing their frustration: “We have waited two years for justice. This setback is deeply painful.”
Norwegian authorities have assured the public that the accused will not be released on bail given the seriousness of the charges and flight risk concerns.
Further details will be reported as the judicial process unfolds.
