Ugly end to debate on free speech

A raised middle finger indication of the level of discourse on televised debate

The tone was fierce between stand-up comedian Omar Marzouk and artist Firoozeh Bazrafkan during a weekend debate on the DR2 Saturday night programme, Deadline.

Marzouk’s contention that the choice of those threatened by the Islamic group Call to Islam to go underground was an act of cowardice raised Bazrafkan’s hackles.

 Marzouk had posted on Facebook that members of far right party Dansk Folkeparti were little more than a bunch of “cowards with big mouths”. His post included a link to an article describing how DF member Tina Petersen has gone into hiding after she received death threats from Call to Islam and calling on her to “come back and fight”.

“There is a group of people who have received threats from the Call to Islam and are elevated to being martyrs for freedom of expression without actually having contributed anything,” Marzouk said during the debate.

READ MORE: Artist convicted of racism speaks out

Bazrafkan said that Marzouk did not understand the concept of freedom speech

“I totally do not care if it's a DF'er or an immigrant or anyone else,” said Bazrafkan. “Omar Marzouk should stop making light of people receiving death threats, whether he is a comedian or not.”

Is that your age or I.Q.?
She then flipped Marzouk the bird.

“The Call to Islam is a threat to the Danish freedom of expression and democracy, and if you do not realise it, here is what I have to say to you.”

Viewers were unimpressed with the level of the debate.

“All that was missing was Bazrafkan sticking her fingers in her ears and going ‘Lalalalalalalalal’” wrote one visitor to the DR2 website.




  • Young Copenhageners supply study grants by selling cocaine

    Young Copenhageners supply study grants by selling cocaine

    In recent years, the spread of cocaine has accelerated. The drug is easily accessible and not only reserved for wealthy party heads. Copenhagen Police have just arrested ten young people and charged them with reselling cocaine

  • 5 Mistakes I Made When I Moved to Denmark

    5 Mistakes I Made When I Moved to Denmark

    Here are five mistakes I made that helped me understand that belonging isn’t a strategy—it’s a practice. This isn’t a story of struggle—it’s a reflection on growth, told through the lens of emotional intelligence.

  • Analysis shows that many students from Bangladesh are enrolled in Danish universities

    Analysis shows that many students from Bangladesh are enrolled in Danish universities

    Earlier this year, the Danish government changed the law on access for people from third world countries to the Danish labor market. Yet, there may still be a shortcut that goes through universities

  • Danish Flower company accused of labor abuse in Türkiye

    Danish Flower company accused of labor abuse in Türkiye

    Queen Company, a Denmark-origin flower producer with pristine sustainability credentials, is under fire for alleged labor rights violations at its Turkish operation, located in Dikili, İzmir. Workers in the large greenhouse facility have been calling decent work conditions for weeks. The Copenhagen Post gathered testimonies from the workers to better understand the situation

  • Advice for expats: Navigating Life as an International in Denmark

    Advice for expats: Navigating Life as an International in Denmark

    Beginning this month, Expat Counselling will be contributing a monthly article to The Copenhagen Post, offering guidance, tools, and reflections on the emotional and social aspects of international life in Denmark. The first column is about Strategies for emotional resilience

  • New agreement criticized for not attracting enough internationals

    New agreement criticized for not attracting enough internationals

    Several mayors and business leaders across Denmark are not satisfied with the agreement that the government, the trade union movement and employers made last week. More internationals are needed than the agreement provides for

Connect Club is your gateway to a vibrant programme of events and an international community in Denmark.


  • “It’s possible to lead even though you don’t fit the traditional leadership mold”

    “It’s possible to lead even though you don’t fit the traditional leadership mold”

    Describing herself as a “DEI poster child,” being queer, neurodivergent and an international in Denmark didn’t stop Laurence Paquette from climbing the infamous corporate ladder to become Marketing Vice President (VP) at Vestas. Arrived in 2006 from Quebec, Laurence Paquette unpacks the implications of exposing your true self at work, in a country that lets little leeway for individuality

  • Deal reached to bring more foreign workers to Denmark

    Deal reached to bring more foreign workers to Denmark

    Agreement between unions and employers allows more foreign workers in Denmark under lower salary requirements, with new ID card rules and oversight to prevent social dumping and ensure fair conditions.

  • New association helps international nurses and doctors Denmark

    New association helps international nurses and doctors Denmark

    Kadre Darman was founded this year to support foreign-trained healthcare professionals facing challenges with difficult authorisation processes, visa procedures, and language barriers, aiming to help them find jobs and contribute to Denmark’s healthcare system