Avhør

Avhør is the questioning of a person by police, prosecutors or other public authorities during the preliminary stage of a criminal investigation. The term covers interviews with both suspects (mistenkte or siktede) and witnesses (vitner). The main aim is to establish a factual account, verify statements, and illuminate how events unfolded, so investigators can decide on charges, further investigation, or other actions. Statements from an avhør may later be used as evidence in court, subject to legal safeguards.

The conduct of avhør is governed by formal rules designed to protect fairness. Interviews typically occur in a controlled setting and are led by a designated investigator. They are often recorded in a protocol or transcript. The person being questioned is usually informed of the purpose of the interview, may have a lawyer present, and can request a translator if needed. The person generally has the right to refrain from answering questions or to respond with the assistance of counsel; the exact rights can depend on the person’s status in the investigation and applicable law.

There are distinctions between avhør of suspects and avhør of witnesses. Avhør of suspects focuses on establishing culpability or exculpatory factors and may involve questions about potential defenses or alibis, while avhør of witnesses concentrates on collecting factual observations. Regardless of type, the process aims to gather relevant information while ensuring procedural integrity and preventing coercion, misrepresentation, or mistreatment.