Kul
The Mutually Beneficial Ties Between Jeffrey Epstein and 'Mr. Human Rights'
Authors: Lynsey Chutel and Henrik Pryser Libell
Publication: The New York Times
Date: February 13, 2026
Summary:
Norwegian police charged Thorbjorn Jagland, former prime minister of Norway (1996-1997) and former secretary general of the Council of Europe, with "gross corruption" on Thursday over his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. If convicted, Jagland could face up to 10 years in prison. This marks the first time since World War II that a former Norwegian prime minister has faced criminal charges.
Released emails reveal Jagland stayed at Epstein's homes in New York and Miami, visited his private island in the Caribbean, and maintained contact as recently as September 2018, less than a year before Epstein was charged with sex trafficking. Jagland's wife and adult children vacationed in Palm Beach in 2014, paid for with Epstein's credit card.
Epstein used his relationship with Jagland, whom he called "Mr. Human Rights," to impress politicians and business people. When Jagland's visits were confirmed, Epstein sent emails to Bill Gates, Larry Summers, and Richard Branson announcing "Head of the Nobel Peace Prize staying with me."
In exchange, Epstein sought access to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Jagland attempted to arrange meetings, writing in 2013: "Hi Jeffrey, all this is not easy for me to explain to Putin. You have to do it. My job is to get a meeting with him." In June 2018, Epstein requested a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, and Jagland responded he would suggest it.
Other prominent Norwegians named in the Epstein files include Crown Princess Mette-Marit, former Foreign Minister Borge Brende (current head of the World Economic Forum), and diplomats Terje Rod-Larsen and Mona Juul. Parliament has demanded a commission of inquiry to investigate how Norway's elites misused their roles.
Quotes:
"People are tired of power and money merging behind closed doors while ordinary citizens are told to 'trust the system.'" (Julie E. Stuestol, member of Norway's Parliament)
"Head of the Nobel Peace Prize staying with me, if you have any interest." (Epstein to Larry Summers, September 26, 2012)
"I thought [Epstein was] a fabulous person, easy and at the same time demanding to be together with." (Jagland, June 2012)
"I can't keep it going only with young women as you know." (Jagland to Epstein, 2013)
"Hi Jeffrey, all this is not easy for me to explain to Putin. You have to do it. My job is to get a meeting with him." (Jagland to Epstein, 2013)
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