Denmark 2025
05/02/2025: A 42-year-old man from Herlev was found guilty by the Glostrup Court sentenced to 40 days of suspended imprisonment with one year of probation for aproving a the terrorist attack committed by Hamas in Israel on comments written between October 7 and 11, 2023. The first post was a reply to Ekstra Bladet's Facebook page stating: "That's not enough. Fire off a couple hundred thousand extra". Although he was acquitted for this comment he was nonetheless condemned for the second post on the Facebook page with the caption "Do you understand those who participate in pro-Palestinian demonstrations these days?" to which he replied: "Yes, I understand them and participate in the demos and support financially" followed by two hashtags: "#Free Palestine" and "#07OctoberCelebrationday". The latter was considered to be endorsement of terrorism rather than a mere call to the liberation of Palestine. (Source)
14/02/2025: Controversial imam Abu Bilal, who is a well-known imam in the Islamist ecosystem, preached at the Khayr el-Barriya Grand Mosque in Copenhagen located on Rovsingsgade in Ydre Nørrebro. However, according to Islam scholar Thomas Hoffmann, Abu Bilal is a major reason Danish authorities promulgated the so-called "Imam Act" back in 2016 that makes it illegal to condone terror, violence and sexual abuse of children as part of religious education after he was recorded with a hidden camera, preaching in a study group at the mosque on Grimhøjvej in Aarhus the stoning and flogging of adulterous women for a TV2 documentary "Moskeerne bag sløret" broadcasted in February 2016. Moreover, the Grimhøjvej mosque's chairman Oussama El Saadi, declared in a Danmarks Radio documentary broadcasted in January 2015 that he supports IS and even praised Danish convert and IS fighter Victor Kristensen who carried out a suicide attack in Iraq, where several people were killed. Prior to that, Abu Bilal was convicted of calling for the murder of Zionist Jews in 2014 during a preach in Berlin and fined 75,000 kroner. Hoffman previously suggested that Abu Ali manages to remain off the hook by preserving ambiguity in his interpretations of Islamic Law that should be understood as a way of articulating the dream of the ideal Islamic legal system. On the one hand, the imam acknowledges that stoning is not part of the law of this society. But from his perspective, stoning should be permitted in the best of all worlds, namely the Islamic one. (Source)
Imam Abu Ali subsequently reacted to the controversy with a press release on March 9, 2025 in which he dismissed all the charges against him as "lies" and stated that he will "now take matters into his own hands". He claims that his controversial teachings merely consisted in presenting the Islamic laws as they are spelled in the Quran but never by promoting violence and that he did not mean to call for the killing of Jews but instead prayed God to eliminate those who were opressing Palestinians. (Source)
24/02/2025: The extremist Telegram group, "Rise O Muslim", that was already reported in December 2023, is still stirring concerns as not much has been done since to dismantle this network. Furthermore, it is now reported by Danish media B.T. that the members of the chat are indulging into recruitment of potential fighters for Syria and vow to "destroy Denmark and the entire West". The death of Quran burner Salwan Momika in Sweden in January 2025 was also praised by the members. Swedish Islamist terrorism expert Magnus Ranstorp deemed the group to "potentially pose a threat" however PET does not seem to react much over this matter despite being well aware of the online radicalization of Muslims: "The Center for Terror Analysis assesses that the primary meeting places for militant Islamists in the West are no longer in the physical world, but are increasingly found virtually". A representative of the group named Muhammad Abu Safiyyah and contacted by B.T. denied that Rise O Muslim poses any threat to Danish citizens and instead claims that they merely struggle to overthrow the Western dominion over Muslim lands. Nonetheless, he still states that "by the way, all Muslims are 'Jihadists' according to the Danish definition, as the definition not only includes people who actively participate in armed struggle, but also people who simply support it, which all Muslims do". (Source)
Former imam Mohammad Khani posted pictures of himself on his Instagram account attending the funeral of Hezbollah former leader, Hassan Nasrallah who was killed by an Israel airstrike on September 27, 2024 and was involved in several terrorist operations carried out by his organization. Hezbollah is classified as a terrorist organization by both the EU and the US. Ironically, Imam Khani was acquitted in August 2024 in a case of condoning Hamas terrorist attack in October 2023. (Source)
09/03/2025: The Telegram channel "Rise O Muslim" was reported to have been shut down. This happened in the aftermath of the investigations of B.T. which exposed in February 2025 all the virulence and the dangerousness of the profiles involved in the "extreme Islamist" encrypted chat "with a military orientation", with the alarming comments of Swedish Islamist terrorism expert Magnus Ranstorp. This report triggered an uprecented wave of indignation and outburst within the political landscape who called for hasty intervention from Danish authorities against the chat. However, Muhammad Abu Safiyyah, the group representative B.T. was in touch with, stated thats the former 800 members of Rise O Muslims already started to gather within alternative channels which implies that, beyond merely deleting the chat, Danish authorities did not thoroughly and convincingly took this matter in charge as extremists are still roaming free and sustaining their network through other means. (Source)
17/03/2025: Danish PET and Center for Terrorism Analysis published the "Online Platforms and Extremist Environments in Denmark 2025" report that analyzes the impact of online platforms on the dynamics of extremist environments in Denmark. It describes how digital communication has profoundly transformed the conditions for recruitment, organization, and radicalization, allowing extremist ideas to spread more rapidly and anonymously. Through digital platforms, participation in extremist networks is no longer limited by geographical, demographic, or cultural factors. This facilitates the rise of decentralized and hybrid networks, composed of individuals influencing each other through echo chambers that reinforce extreme norms, often without any formal hierarchical structure. This transformation encourages the normalization of radical discourse, especially among young people and minors, who may be inadvertently exposed to extremist content even on mainstream platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, or Roblox. Extremist groups extensively use social media algorithms to disseminate propaganda, employing camouflage techniques, coded content, and artificial intelligence tools to make their messages more discreet and to bypass moderation. This mass and rapid dissemination of extremist material increases the risk of diffuse radicalization within society.
Specifically regarding Islamism, the report highlights that Islamist actors are also exploiting these dynamics. Like Far-Right movements, groups linked to Islamism adapt their digital strategies by using large-scale platforms to reach young and vulnerable audiences. They employ the same methods of coding, gradual recruitment, and use of mainstream or gaming environments to promote ideological narratives hostile to democratic values. The report emphasizes that, like other forms of extremism, Islamism exploits the fluidity and anonymity offered by the internet to subtly influence public opinion, expand its recruitment base, and evade surveillance. The phenomenon of "tactical crossposting" is particularly significant for Islamists, allowing them to multiply their online presence, avoid censorship, and maintain ideological continuity even after account or channel closures. This strengthens the resilience of their digital networks. Furthermore, the easy access to international extremist environments through the internet enables Islamist groups in Denmark to maintain ideological and operational links with actors abroad, potentially increasing the domestic terrorist threat. Finally, the report warns against the enhanced ability of groups linked to Islamism to spread propaganda using new technologies, to influence young people without immediately raising suspicion, and to adapt their discourse to better insert themselves into seemingly ordinary public debates. This technological evolution requires Danish authorities to rethink their prevention and detection methods to adequately address this shifting and sophisticated threat. (Source)
23/04/2025: Mohamed Hassan Ahmed, the 27-year-old man who was arrested in May 2023 for his ties with individuals affiliated to IS and spreading terrorist propaganda content on social networks between October 2017 and May 2023, was sentenced by the Frederiksberg Court to six years and six months of prison for utter violation of Section 114 e of the Criminal Code. He has been in custody since his arrest. The trial started on April 10, 2025 and Ahmed pleaded guilty right away, which means the whole case was tried as a confession case. In addition to the prison sentence, Mohamed Hassan Ahmed has been expelled with a ban on ever entering Denmark again. Ahmed remained silent throughout the trial and it is not sure if he intends to appeal the verdict to the High Court. (Source)
24/04/2025: Danish authorities have finally published their 2025 Assessment of the Terrorist Threat to Denmark. This long-awaited updated version is quite alarming. The terrorist threat to Denmark remains at the serious level, which is level four out of five. Militant Islamist propaganda, especially from IS and Al-Qaeda, continues to radicalize and inspire individuals in the West, including Denmark. This propaganda often calls for attacks, naming both targets and methods, and includes both official media and content by sympathizers. Even older materials, especially from when IS controlled territory in Syria and Iraq, are still actively used. While older propaganda is more strategic, newer content is driven by current events and recent attacks. In 2024, propaganda has focused heavily on the conflict in the Middle East, portraying Westerners, Christians, Jews, and civilians as legitimate targets. Less attention has been paid to perceived insults to Islam compared to 2023, although such issues still figure prominently in four key narratives: Western support for Israel; Western military presence in the Middle East; perceived insults or desecrations of Islam and the portrayal of the West as representing un-Islamic values and lifestyles. These narratives are used to justify terrorist attacks, criticize Middle Eastern regimes, and shame Muslims in the West who do not act according to militant ideology. Both IS and Al-Qaeda have a long-standing hostility towards Jews and Israel, and they are currently leveraging the Middle East conflict in their propaganda. The report assesses that this, along with the broader mobilization potential of the conflict, increases the threat level to Jewish and Israeli targets in the West, including Denmark. Though no concrete attack plans have been discovered in 2024, Denmark remains a potential target, especially if new incidents perceived as insults to Islam gain attention again, as was the case with Quran desecrations in 2023.
The conflict has also introduced new actors and dynamics to the threat picture in Denmark. Historically, threats came from IS, Al-Qaeda, and their supporters, but now the report notes the presence of individuals and networks linked to other Islamist groups involved in the conflict. Some of these individuals may be connected to organized crime in Denmark and may use “Crime as a Service” methods if they plan attacks. Danish authorities believe these individuals would likely focus on Middle East-related targets rather than random civilians. A significant de-escalation of the conflict might demobilize those specifically radicalized by it. However, some individuals may remain radicalized regardless of the conflict’s outcome, potentially shifting to other Jihadist narratives. Sympathizers of IS and Al-Qaeda are unlikely to be affected by such de-escalation.
Recent developments in Syria could again attract militant Islamists from the West, including Denmark. A resurgent IS presence in Syria might become a magnet for sympathizers. People trying to travel abroad to join militant groups continue to be detected and prosecuted in the West. The assessment warns that those who are prevented from leaving or unable to travel may still pose a domestic threat. Some militant Islamists in Denmark have shown interest in leaving for conflict zones. While there is no destination currently as attractive as Syria/Iraq was between 2012–2016, risks persist. All adults who returned to Denmark from the conflict zone after 2016 have been prosecuted or convicted. For example, in October 2024, a woman and her child were repatriated from al-Roj camp, and the woman is facing charges under Denmark’s terrorism laws. Another woman, who returned before 2016, was charged in February 2025 (verdict expected in August). The threat posed by these returnees or their children depends on their intent and capability, as well as how they are received and supported by Danish authorities, including whether they receive social and preventive care.
The terrorist threat from anti-authority extremism is also at a limited level, while the threat from Far-Right extremists remains general – level three out of five. (Source)
08/05/2025: The Court of Frederiksberg acquitted a 33-year-old woman of charges of supporting IS, more than a decade after living in Iraq and Syria with her husband and children as a housewife and wife of an IS member from September 2013 to August 2015. Her trial started on March 13, 2025 and the prosecution claimed she supported IS presence in Raqqa and Mosul, contributing to the group’s control in those regions. She traveled to Syria with her son to join her husband, who is now presumed dead. Although she was in IS territory, she was not charged with entering a conflict zone, as the Danish law banning such entry was passed in 2016, after she had returned. Despite calling herself "naive" for believing her husband, she pleaded not guilty, denying any promotion of IS and resumed studies while being involved in her community ever since she returned to Denmark. It is not entirely clear why the case has taken so long. As early as 2014, PET wiretapped the woman. On the recordings, they could hear her say that she wanted to travel to Syria. And after her return, PET interrogated her in 2015. The Copenhagen Police initiated the case only in 2022 after they found out her previous trips in IS territory. (Source)
19/05/2025: A 28-year-old man with ties to the gang environment has been remanded in custody on suspicion of participating in an attempted act of terrorism. According to the charges, he allegedly purchased drones intended for use by Hamas in a potential attack either in Denmark or elsewhere. The Frederiksberg Court judge ruled that there is reasonable suspicion and ordered his detention until June 11. The indictment claims that on November 7, 2023, the man, along with accomplices, bought three drones for over 280,000 kroner, which were to be used by Hamas. Although the man, believed by police to have held a leading position in the Loyal To Familia gang, denies the charges, his defense attorney announced that the decision will be appealed to the High Court. He remains in custody partly because of concerns that he might interfere with the ongoing police investigation. In December 2023, he was extradited from Lebanon in connection with a separate double murder case in Kalundborg and has been in custody since. The Danish PET took preventive action in December 2023 amid fears of a potential terrorist attack. Following the latest developments, PET's operational chief, Flemming Drejer, issued a public warning, emphasizing that any involvement of gang members in planning terrorist acts would draw the agency’s full attention. He expressed deep concern over the apparent links between the case and Hamas.
The drones were reportedly ordered online and delivered to a store in Copenhagen, where the suspect and his alleged accomplices collected them. The purchase occurred one month after Hamas’ attack in southern Israel, and authorities believe the drones were intended for use in an attack, though it remains unclear whether the target was Denmark or another country. Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard stressed in a written statement that the Danish government takes the situation very seriously and is prepared to provide the police and intelligence services with the necessary resources to prevent attacks from hostile actors. (Source)