Solberg on an attacked party: – A very serious accusation

– This is a very serious accusation. The case will now be dealt with by the court and it is important that the case is well-informed, especially to preserve the offenders, "said the Prime Minister of NTB.

Ludvigsen and Solberg were both ministers of Kjell Magne Bondevik's second government from 2001 to 2005, respectively to the Ministry of Fisheries and the Ministry of Local Government.

Svein Harald Ludvigsen (72), former MP, Minister of Fisheries and Troms Governor, is accused of sexual assault. A year ago, Dagbladet wrote about a community breakup in Troms, charged with a moral offense.

– This seems like a very serious matter. He is asking for his innocence and we must now let the justice system solve the problem. Nevertheless, it is very serious to have such an appeal against them, "said Monica Mæland, VG's municipal minister.

In a press release, the police announced that Ludvigsen had been charged with sexual assault on three people, in accordance with the first paragraph of Article 193 of the Penal Code.

"I can not say further that my client is very difficult," writes Gunhild Bergan, a lawyer and partner at the law firm Elden in Dagbladet.

– The innocent contrary is proved

Jens Johan Hjorth (H), former mayor of Tromsø, is also a friend of Ludvigsen. Hjorth says he believes Ludvigsen is eager to trial.

– If this case had been filed, it would have been something lying there and that he had to take with him. That he now has the opportunity to defend himself in court is a good thing, says Jens Johan Hjort to TV 2.

"Svein must now be given a fair trial, and we must consider him innocent until proven guilty," says Hjorth.

Three insulted asylum seekers

Just after the new year 2018, Ludvig was arrested and accused of having exploited his post to establish sexual contact with a man.

The case was investigated throughout the year in the Troms Police District. Ludvigsen was arrested on January 3 and jailed for five weeks before being released. The reason for his imprisonment for a number of years was that he had abused his position as an influential politician to have sex with a young male asylum seeker.

The sentence was eventually extended to apply to three people insulted. All three came to Norway as asylum seekers.

Dagbladet updates the case.