Those acquitted in the Birgitte Tengs case do not receive compensation paid in advance

– We made a sober demand to help a man in an acute financial situation, says lawyer Stian Bråstein to The daily newspaper.

He was one of the defenders of the now acquitted man who was charged with the murder of Birgitte Tengs in 1995. In the district court he was convicted of the murder, but in December 2023 he was acquitted in the court of appeal.

Following the acquittal, the man has filed a claim for compensation, including for the strain he has experienced and loss of future income. NOK 2 million was also demanded in advance for compensation.

Lawyer Bråstein informs Dagbladet that the Civil Justice Administration has refused the demand for an advance.

– He is in a desperate financial situation because of the case and almost two and a half years without income. Not paying out an advance in this case is not equal before the law in my view, Bråstein asserts.

He draws parallels to the Baneheia case, where acquitted Viggo Kristiansen had part of his compensation claim paid in advance.

According to Dagbladet, in the refusal from the Civil Rights Administration, it is stated that no advance payment is made. It is also pointed out that the Baneheia case was an exception.