Norway: Case of man's death on construction site dropped

A case involving the death of a 46-year-old man on a construction site in Stavanger has been dropped by prosecutors, according to Norwegian broadcaster NRK. The man, Cato Strøm, died on New Year's Day after being physically restrained by three neighbors who suspected him of attempting theft.

The three neighbors had been charged with aggravated assault resulting in death. However, the public prosecutor has now decided to drop the charges, ruling that the individuals acted in self-defense. This decision has been communicated to the family's legal representative.

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We are appealing, and maintain that the main perpetrator should be indicted for murder and that the attorney general must consider what the accomplices should be indicted for.

John Christian Elden, the victim's family's legal counsel, stated that they will appeal the prosecutor's decision. Elden maintains that the main suspect should be indicted for murder, and that the accomplices' charges should be reviewed by the public prosecutor's office. The family firmly believes the actions taken against Strøm were excessive and not justified as self-defense.

Meanwhile, the defense attorney for one of the accused neighbors expressed relief following the prosecutor's decision. She noted that her client found the situation extremely difficult and was deeply affected by Strøm's death. NRK reported that neither the public prosecutor nor the attorney general had provided immediate comment.

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He finds this very difficult, and he has taken it very hard that it ended with Strøm's death.