Former Norwegian Prime Minister Thorbjørn Jagland has been hospitalised following reports of a medical emergency, days after being charged with serious corruption offences tied to his alleged association with Jeffrey Epstein.
Jagland was admitted to hospital on Tuesday, February 24. Some Norwegian media outlets reported that the hospitalisation followed an alleged suicide attempt. However, his legal team has strongly denied those claims, stating that he was taken for urgent medical care due to extreme stress and health concerns arising from the criminal investigation and intense media scrutiny.
The charges against Jagland relate to alleged “gross corruption” following the release of documents contained in the so-called Epstein Files. The documents reportedly suggest a relationship between Jagland and Epstein between 2011 and 2018, including references to diplomatic favours, luxury travel and financial requests.
Norwegian authorities have launched an investigation into potential corruption linked to the former prime minister. Jagland has acknowledged what he described as “poor judgment” but has denied any criminal wrongdoing. Through his lawyer, Anders Brosveet, he has stated he is willing to cooperate fully with investigators.
The charges were filed after Jagland’s immunity from the Council of Europe — which he led from 2009 to 2018 — was lifted. He previously served as Norway’s prime minister from 1996 to 1997 and chaired the Norwegian Nobel Committee between 2009 and 2015.
Documents referenced in reports allegedly indicate that Jagland once planned a family trip to Epstein’s private island in 2014, though the visit was said to have been cancelled. Another exchange reportedly suggested he attempted to assist Epstein in securing a bank loan, although it remains unclear whether that effort progressed. Norwegian police have not confirmed which specific allegations are under active review.
Officials have stressed that being named in the Epstein Files does not, in itself, constitute proof of wrongdoing.
Jagland is not the only Norwegian public figure to appear in the files. Crown Princess Mette-Marit previously issued a public apology for her past friendship with Epstein after emails between them were made public.
The investigation into Jagland remains ongoing.