Former Norwegian prime minister Thorbjorn Jagland was reportedly hospitalized last week after an alleged suicide attempt, just days after being charged with gross corruption tied to his relationship with late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, media reported Tuesday.
The story was first published by iNyheter, which cited a “highly reliable source” saying Jagland’s condition remains serious.
Officials have not disclosed which medical facility is treating the 75-year-old statesman.
According to iNyheter, the former Nobel Committee chairman is in critical condition following the corruption charges connected to the Epstein case.
Jagland is considered one of Norway’s most prominent political figures, having served both as prime minister and as Secretary General of the Council of Europe.
He was also a longtime member of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, acting as its influential chairman from 2009 to 2015 before stepping down in 2020.
News of his hospitalization has sparked debate about media transparency in Norway. iNyheter reported that Norwegian media outlets, through the Norwegian Editors’ Association and certain editors, reached an agreement on Feb. 17 with Jagland’s lawyer, Anders Brosveet, that the incident would not be reported.
While acknowledging the sensitive nature of the situation, the outlet argued that Jagland’s public status and the seriousness of the allegations warranted publication.
Norwegian police have raided several of Jagland’s homes this month over suspected links to Epstein and aggravated corruption, according to broadcaster NRK.
The corruption suspicions intensified after the U.S. Justice Department released new Epstein files that reportedly documented years of contact between Jagland and the financier, including alleged offers of trips and luxury stays.