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A dual national could face the loss of his Danish citizenship after prosecutors charged him with sharing far-right extremist propaganda through an online network linked to terrorism.
The 30-year-old man, who holds both Danish and French citizenship, is being prosecuted by the State Prosecutor in Copenhagen following approval from the Ministry of Justice. Authorities allege his activities were connected to a far-right group known as Terrorgram.
“The investigation has revealed specific examples of the defendant sharing posts on both public and private channels, as well as in groups with a large number of participants,” public prosecutor Lise-Lotte Nilas said in a statement from the prosecution service.
“The posts were capable of promoting Terrorgram’s activities and the terrorist activities of individuals linked to right-wing extremism,” Nilas added.
Prosecutors describe Terrorgram as an online network that disseminates propaganda associated with right-wing extremist terrorism. They claim to have evidence showing the accused shared material through various profiles on the messaging platform Telegram between June 2023 and December 2024.
According to the prosecution, the man played a “central and active” role in these activities. Among the most serious allegations, he is accused of recording, commenting on, and sharing a manifesto expressing admiration for Anders Behring Breivik, the Norwegian far-right terrorist responsible for killing 77 people in Oslo and on the island of Utøya on July 22, 2011. Many of Breivik’s victims were young people attending a political youth camp.
The man has been charged under section 114e of the Danish Criminal Code, which specifically addresses the promotion of terrorist activities. The case is scheduled to begin at the Glostrup District Court on March 19th, with prosecutors seeking to have his Danish citizenship revoked if he is convicted.
This case emerges amid Denmark’s increasingly stringent approach to citizenship matters. The Danish government appointed an expert group last year to explore implementing a screening system for the personal views of citizenship applicants. The stated aim is to ensure that “persons who are awarded Danish citizenship actually share Danish democratic values.”
This expert panel is tasked with determining whether such a screening system is legally, technically, and practically feasible for processing large numbers of applicants. The initiative reflects Denmark’s growing concern about ensuring ideological alignment with democratic principles among its naturalized citizens.
While Denmark already has legislation permitting the revocation of citizenship for dual nationals, these laws currently apply only in a limited range of serious circumstances. This case could potentially test the boundaries of those provisions.
The prosecution of the 30-year-old man comes at a time when many European countries are grappling with the challenge of far-right extremism. Online platforms have become particular areas of concern for security agencies tracking the spread of extremist ideology and terrorist propaganda.
Telegram, the platform allegedly used by the accused, has frequently been criticized for its minimal content moderation and has become known as a haven for various extremist groups. Its encrypted nature and private channels make it difficult for authorities to monitor communications comprehensively.
The outcome of this case could establish an important precedent regarding Denmark’s approach to dual nationals alleged to be involved in promoting extremist ideologies. It may also signal how aggressively Danish authorities intend to pursue citizenship revocation as a penalty for such activities.
The court proceedings beginning in March will likely attract significant attention from civil liberties groups, immigration policy experts, and those monitoring the intersection of citizenship rights and national security concerns in European democracies.
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11 Comments
The alleged connection to a terrorist-linked far-right group is certainly troubling, but I’m not convinced that revoking this individual’s citizenship is the appropriate response. Due process and proportionality must be paramount.
Valid concerns. Citizenship is a fundamental right, so stripping it away should only be considered in the most egregious circumstances with strong justification.
The allegations against this individual are quite serious, but I’d want to see more details before making a judgment. Citizenship revocation is a major step that could set a concerning precedent if not applied judiciously.
That’s a fair point. Transparency around the evidence and decision-making process will be critical in this case to ensure due process is followed.
While I condemn the spread of extremist propaganda, I’m uneasy about the use of citizenship revocation as a tool to combat it. This case bears close watching to ensure the Danish authorities respect civil liberties and the rule of law.
This case highlights the difficulty of regulating online content and the potential misuse of state power. I’ll be following developments closely to see how the Danish justice system handles this sensitive situation.
Agreed, the implications for digital rights and citizenship laws are significant. It will be important to monitor this case for any concerning precedents or overreach.
Tackling the spread of extremist propaganda is an important task for governments, but the means used must be carefully weighed. I hope the Danish authorities can find an approach that upholds civil liberties while addressing legitimate security concerns.
Well said. Maintaining the balance between individual rights and public safety is always a delicate challenge for democracies.
Interesting case regarding the Danish government’s efforts to crack down on the spread of far-right propaganda. It’s important to balance freedom of speech with public safety concerns, but revoking citizenship seems like a drastic measure.
I agree, this is a complex issue with valid arguments on both sides. Careful consideration is needed to ensure any actions are proportionate and aligned with the rule of law.