by Gjert Ingebrigtsen has failed to overturn the South Rogaland District Court’s decision to grant media access to his upcoming trial. The Gulating Court of Appeal upheld the ruling, ensuring the proceedings remain public.
The trial, set to begin in Sandnes on March 24, involves charges against Ingebrigtsen for alleged mistreatment of his son, Jakob Ingebrigtsen, and his sister. The athletics coach has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
Earlier this month, the South Rogaland District Court ruled that the trial would be conducted in open court. Ingebrigtsen’s defense team promptly appealed the decision.
– “This case has no inherent public interest, but curiosity has grown due to the involvement of well-known figures. It reeks of a media circus, especially with foreign outlets unfamiliar with the “Code of Ethics of the Norwegian Press,” defense attorney John Christian Elden wrote in an SMS to NTB on Thursday.
Five international media organizations, including The Times and The Guardian, have been accredited to cover the trial.
A total of 34 witnesses have been listed, including the two alleged victims, their mother, and their siblings. The list also features runners Narve Gilje Nordås and Per Svela, both coached by Gjert Ingebrigtsen and former teammates of Henrik, Filip, and Jakob Ingebrigtsen.
With open court proceedings, journalists and the public can attend as spectators. Additionally, audio and video recordings will be permitted during the lawyers’ opening statements and closing arguments after six weeks in court.
However, recording will be strictly prohibited when Gjert Ingebrigtsen or any witnesses provide testimony.
Defense attorney John Christian Elden has argued that all or parts of the trial should be held behind closed doors.
– “This case does not warrant media attention and involves minors and sensitive family matters,” Elden told VG at the time.
In its original ruling, the judge dismissed all of Elden’s arguments, which included:
• Privacy concerns
• The risk that witnesses might withhold information due to media scrutiny
• The potential impact on Gjert Ingebrigtsen’s reputation
Furthermore, the Norwegian Athletics Federation (NFIF) has announced that Gjert Ingebrigtsen could face disciplinary action under the sport’s regulations, in addition to his upcoming criminal trial. His legal representative, John Christian Elden, has strongly criticized the move.
On Friday afternoon, NFIF requested that the Norwegian Sports Federation’s prosecutors assess whether there is a basis for disciplinary action against Ingebrigtsen under the sport’s internal rules.
– “NFIF has a duty to ensure athletics remains a safe and inclusive environment, free from harassment and discrimination. We must also uphold and enforce the sport’s regulations equally for all members. It is therefore essential that this case is reviewed by the Norwegian Sports Federation’s Complaints Board,” said NFIF President Anne Farseth.
Elden, however, condemned the timing of NFIF’s actions.
– “We are well aware of the federation’s ongoing vendetta against Ingebrigtsen and their involvement in the criminal case, however it is rather strange if they intend to start a process mere weeks before the proper court case gets under way.”
If found guilty under the sport’s regulations, Ingebrigtsen could face sanctions, including a ban on collaboration with athletes. He currently coaches Narve Gilje Nordås and Per Svela. A ruling could also lead to the loss of membership, or restrictions on participating in training and competitions.
Ingebrigtsen has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing and refutes allegations of violence against his children.
