Al Jeezera video claims Danish nationals were tortured in Lebanon

Men allege they were arrested for refusing to help PET

A  video called Outsourcing Torture released by Al Jazeera claims to have uncovered that three Danish Muslims were arrested and tortured under an alleged co-operation between Danish and Lebanese intelligence services.

The Al Jeezera video seems to counter Denmark’s image as a world leader in the fight for human rights.

Two Danish nationals of Arab origin said they were arrested and tortured in Lebanon when they refused offers to work for national security agency PET.

PET denies allegations
The men claim that Lebanon was acting on Danish orders that they be interrogated in a country with less rigorous regulations for humane treatment. They are accusing Denmark of outsourcing torture.

PET told Al Jazeera that while they “co-operate with a large number of authorities worldwide in order to protect Danish interests, they under no circumstances aid and abet torture. PET has no further comment.” Lebanon also denied involvement.

“We have friends there too”
The Al Jazeera video claims that many Danish citizens of Arab or Muslim origin were approached by PET between 2001 and 2010.

Ali Ibrahim, who is originally from Lebanon, said that while he was living in Denmark in 2006, PET offered him incentives to inform on a group that one of his brothers was involved with and then threatened him when he refused.

“We will pay you money,” Ibrahim claims PET told him.

Ibrahim says in the video that when he asked the officer what would happen if he refused, he was told he would be continuously monitored.

“I will then leave the country,” Ibrahim told PET.

“Where do think you will go?” Ibrahim claims he was told. “We have friends all over the world. Do you want to go to Lebanon? We have friends there too.”

READ MORE: PET tried to quiet Storm with cash

Ibrahim then claims that he travelled to Lebanon later that year and was kidnapped in front of his wife and children.

He claims he was held for eight months in solitary confinement and subjected to beatings, violent interrogations and torture.

Both Denmark and Lebanon have denied the allegations.

TOP STORIES

  • Copenhagen revisited through memoir poetry

    Copenhagen revisited through memoir poetry

    Not all students feel like reading Danish poetry after a meeting at a language school with writer and poet Henrik Palle. Yet, a portrayal of Copenhagen as the city once was and the impressions of what the city is today give a deeper impression of the Danes

  • “No one seems to stand up for internationals”

    “No one seems to stand up for internationals”

    “To some extent, Denmark is not fair to internationals.” Nichlas Walsted, 34 years old, is the CEO of Swap Language, a provider of Danish lessons to more than 10,000 internationals. Tens of thousands of people follow him, and he advocates for internationals: “Because no one else does. I can’t think of a single politician or well-known person in Denmark who stands up for them,” he says.

  • Busy Copenhagen Airport nets a nice profit for the Danish State

    Busy Copenhagen Airport nets a nice profit for the Danish State

    Almost 30 million passengers travelled to or from Copenhagen Airport in 2024. The profit was 1.4 billion DKK and both figures are expected to grow in 2025. Expansions continue, and investments are being made in continued progress

  • Copenhagen ranked 4th for career growth

    Copenhagen ranked 4th for career growth

    Copenhagen is ranked as the fourth-best city in the world for career growth, according to an analysis by EnjoyTravel. This ranking considers various factors such as living costs, salary levels, workforce availability, and overall quality of life. Copenhagen is noted for its blend of historical and modern elements, particularly in the green energy sector, which influences job opportunities.

  • Greenland moves to the right

    Greenland moves to the right

    A very surprising election gives victory to the right-wing opposition party Demokraatit. The incumbent center-left coalition loses spectacularly. Greenland – and Denmark – anxiously await upcoming government negotiations

  • Raise the voice of internationals. Take the survey and share your experience in Denmark.

    Raise the voice of internationals. Take the survey and share your experience in Denmark.

    Copenhagen Capacity has launched a survey for all internationals living in Denmark to find out if they are happy here and what challenges they face. The Copenhagen Post is the media partner for this initiative. You can find the survey below in the article.

Connect club

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

Sign up here

Career

  • Copenhagen ranked 4th for career growth

    Copenhagen ranked 4th for career growth

    Copenhagen is ranked as the fourth-best city in the world for career growth, according to an analysis by EnjoyTravel. This ranking considers various factors such as living costs, salary levels, workforce availability, and overall quality of life. Copenhagen is noted for its blend of historical and modern elements, particularly in the green energy sector, which influences job opportunities.

  • Data shows that non-Western immigrants have saved local economies in Denmark

    Data shows that non-Western immigrants have saved local economies in Denmark

    A study reveals how only the massive influx of non-Western immigrants has saved many areas in Denmark from a decline in the workforce and a consequently shrinking economy

  • Long-term unemployment is double for non-Western immigrants

    Long-term unemployment is double for non-Western immigrants

    An analysis from the Labour Movement’s Business Council shows that the rate in long-term unemployment for non-Western immigrants is 1.8 times higher than for Danes. In other words, a chronic unemployment situation is way more probable for non-Western internationals.

Want to advertise your job with CPH Post?

Contact us

Jobs