Fiches Belges: La Norvège

Is this measure possible in your Member State under International Judicial Cooperation?

Letters may as a main rule be seized or the person who possesses the letter may be ordered to hand over the letter. If the suspected person is in possession of the letter, it may be seized, opened and used as evidence if the person or place could be searched. The letter may not be seized or ordered handed over if the person who possesses the letter refuses and do not have an obligation to give a witness statement due to family relations or specific professional relations such as a defence lawyer or medical doctor., unless the person in possession of the letter is suspected for the same criminal offence. When the letter in the possession of a postal agency, it may not be seized from the agency.

International legal framework applicable for this measure in your Member State

CoE 1959 Convention on Mutual Legal Assistance and the EU 2000 Convention on Mutual Legal Assistance in criminal matters.

* receive the request/decision for judicial cooperation

Seizure is ordered by the Prosecution Authority (if a search is necessary in order to make the seizure, a Court order is as a main rule necessary for the search).

* execute/recognise the measure (if other than the receiving authority)

N/A

Accepted languages for the request/decision

The documents should be translated into Norwegian, but also Swedish, Danish and English may be accepted.

Deadlines for the execution of the request/decision (where applicable)

No legal deadline.

a. Special requirements

A requested procedure will be followed unless it is illegal according for Norwegian Law

b. Other useful information

Representatives of the requesting State may be allowed to be present in connection with the execution of the measure.