The injustice against Viggo Kristiansen is not rectified by prejudging Jan Helge Andersen

Andersen also has the right to a defence.

This is an editorial. The leader expresses Aftenposten’s view. The editor-in-chief and political editor are responsible for the content.

Jan Helge Andersen is back in court. It is 24 years since the cruel murders in Baneheia were committed. Stine Sofie Sørstrønen (8) and Lena Sløgedal Paulsen (10) were raped and killed. Andersen was convicted of rape and murder of Sørstrønen and complicity in the rape of Paulsen. Now he stands accused of having killed Paulsen as well.

This time, Andersen stands accused alone. Viggo Kristiansen, who was named as the main man behind the murders in 2000, has today been acquitted and cleared. It has been made clear that Kristiansen was not present in Baneheia when the murders took place. For most of his adult life, Kristiansen has been considered a monster. He spent almost 21 years in custody for misdeeds he did not commit.