Council of Europe

The Council of Europe is an international organization founded in 1949 to uphold human rights, democracy, and the rule of law in Europe. It is distinct from the European Union. The organization is in the news due to the implication of its former Secretary-General, Thorbjørn Jagland, in the Jeffrey Epstein scandal. Jagland, also a former Norwegian Prime Minister, is under investigation for alleged corruption related to his ties with Epstein. Recent developments include Norwegian police searching Jagland's properties and charging him with "gross corruption" after the Council of Europe waived his diplomatic immunity. Jagland's hospitalization due to stress further highlights the gravity of the situation. The case underscores the potential for international organizations to be affected by the actions of their leaders and raises questions about oversight and accountability.