Use of solitary confinement in pretrial detentions at a historic low

Effects of 2007 law change can be seen in new report

According to a new report from the public prosecution service Rigsadvokaten, the number of prisoners in solitary confinement in custody is at its lowest for 13 years. In 2014 there were just 36 cases of solitary confinement, compared to over 500 per year a decade ago.

The numbers have been falling since the Venstre-Konservative government in 2006 initiated a tightening of the rules of pretrial detention to minimise the number of prisoners in isolation. The reform, which came into effect at the start of 2007, reduced the maximum permitted duration of periods in isolation and provided extra protection for under-18s.

Only when necessary
According to Søren Pind, the justice minister, solitary confinement should only take place when absolutely necessary.

“Sometimes when people are charged it will be necessary to imprison them in solitary confinement while the case is being investigated. We can’t do anything about that,” he said.

“But solitary confinement can be extremely arduous for the person concerned, and it is therefore important that we are aware of how the extent and duration of solitary confinements can be limited without compromising the interests of investigating and solving crimes.”

READ MORE: Penal Envy: Globally admired for its education and rehabilitation of prisoners

TOP STORIES

  • The international who shaped Copenhagen

    The international who shaped Copenhagen

    Anna Maria Indrio is one of the most important architects in Denmark, having contributed to shaping Copenhagen into what it is today. Among her best-known projects are the extension of SMK and Arken, as well as the Natural History Museum and the Darwin Centre in London. She moved here 60 years ago, when “Copenhagen was gray and dormant. Predictions suggested it would become depopulated. But putting people at the center changed everything,” she said

  • Danish government passes amendment to increase citizenship fee by 50%

    Danish government passes amendment to increase citizenship fee by 50%

    Fees were raised to reflect processing costs and curb repeat applications, creating debate over whether the new charges erect barriers to political participation for internationals.

  • Internationals’ labour contributes 361 billion DKK to Denmark’s GDP, and it is growing strongly every year

    Internationals’ labour contributes 361 billion DKK to Denmark’s GDP, and it is growing strongly every year

    According to a report by the Danish Chamber of Commerce, internationals’ contribution is 12% of the country’s GDP. In 2023, it was 322 billion DKK, and in 2008, it was 136 billion DKK. “Internationals make a gigantic difference in our prosperity and welfare,” comments Morten Langager, the Director of Dansk Erhverv.

  • Inside Denmark’s innovation engine

    Inside Denmark’s innovation engine

    With half of its staff being international, the BioInnovation Institute reflects Denmark’s broader transformation into a global innovation hub. But can the country—and Europe—keep up the pace? “If reforms are made now, we can close the gap in ten years,” explains BII’s CEO

  • Denmark launches massive investment in the navy

    Denmark launches massive investment in the navy

    Two months ago, the Danish PM announced that military equipment should be purchased in a hurry. The first plans for the sea are now ready. Additional plans for warships will follow this summer.

  • International designers struggle to find jobs in Denmark

    International designers struggle to find jobs in Denmark

    Many internationals come to Denmark to work as designers, but the field appears to be one of the hardest to break into. The Copenhagen Post spoke with two internationals struggling to find their way into the industry.

Connect club

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

Sign up here

Career

Want to advertise your job with CPH Post?

Contact us

Jobs