Norwegian police fine prime minister over social distancing violations

Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg has been fined for violating social distancing guidelines in the country amid the coronavirus pandemic. 

Police Chief Ole Saeverud said at a news conference that Solberg was fined $2,325 for hosting a dinner with 13 people for her birthday in violation of guidelines that limit gatherings to no more than 10, Reuters reported.

Solberg hosted the February event at a mountain resort for her 60th birthday.

“Though the law is the same for all, all are not equal in front of the law,” Saeverud said when explaining why the prime minister was the only one involved who was fined.

Most people are not issued fines in such cases, but according to Reuters police said it was important to set an example with Solberg especially since she has been advocating for the strict guidelines. 

“It is therefore correct to issue a fine in order to uphold the general public’s trust in the rules on social restrictions,” Saeverund said.

“Solberg is the country’s leader and she has been at the forefront of the restrictions imposed to limit the spread of the virus,” he added.

Norway has had more than 100,000 reported cases of the coronavirus and more than 650 deaths.