iNyheter claims Thorbjorn Jagland allegedly attempted suicide

The Norwegian news outlet iNyheter reports today that Thorbjorn Jagland has allegedly attempted to take his own life. According to the publication, the incident occurred a week ago, and his condition was described as serious, requiring hospitalization. iNyheter claims to have what they describe as a 'rock-solid source' for these reports.

On February 11, the Council of Europe revoked Jagland's diplomatic immunity, and on February 12, he was formally charged with gross corruption by the Norwegian National Authority for Investigation and Prosecution of Economic and Environmental Crime (Økokrim) due to his relations with Jeffrey Epstein.

As of now, other Norwegian mainstream media outlets have not covered the story, although the report is currently circulating on social media.

This article will be updated as more information becomes available, or should any conflicting reports emerge.

Update February 24, 3.35 p.m.

iNyheter has updated the case, referring to a letter sent by Jagland’s lawyer to 'selected editors' because Jagland was unable to respond to inquiries. According to iNyheter, the lawyer has confirmed to them directly that this is due to a suicide attempt.

Update February 24, 5:15 p.m.

According to Norway’s largest news outlet, VG, Jagland’s lawyer has confirmed that Jagland is currently hospitalized but denies any suicide attempt. According to VG, iNyheter maintains that they have received confirmation of such an attempt.

Update February 24, 5:25 p.m.

Another Norwegian news outlet, Dagbladet, mirrors VG’s reporting, stating that the lawyer denies a suicide attempt. Society and Politics has yet to find information regarding the exact date of Jagland’s admission or why information about his hospitalization were not disclosed earlier. It appears that the report by iNyheter earlier today has forced the disclosure of his hospitalization.

Update February 24, 5.35 p.m.

The news outlet Finansavisen publish this statement from Jagland’s laywer Anders Brosveet;

“This is a demanding case for both Jagland and the press. We therefore found it natural to consult with the Association of Norwegian Editors, and subsequently provide a selection of editors with a briefing on Jagland's health situation as background information, so that it could be taken into account in further editorial assessments. No agreement was entered into with either the Association of Editors or individual media outlets, and the information now reproduced in the public domain regarding Jagland’s health situation is incorrect.

To publish the information as it is currently being presented is one of the gravest violations of press ethics I have ever experienced.

We urge editorial offices not to contribute to the further spread of this false information. We are not aware of any suicide attempt.”

Update February 24, 7:30 p.m.

iNyheter, which first published the alleged suicide attempt of Thorbjørn Jagland, has consulted with lawyer Anders Brosveet once again. The lawyer's explanation is now reportedly that Jagland was hospitalized due to suicide risk.

Read about the aftermatch here.