Danish soldiers banned from looking at trophy photos

Defence minister demands an explanation

Christian Wenande

Sep 28, 2017

Danish soldiers deployed to Iraq have reportedly been ordered to look away when Iraqi soldiers try to show them ‘trophy photos’ of dead IS soldiers

According to Defence documents obtained by Information newspaper, from February this year, Danish soldiers have been ordered to firmly refuse to look at trophy photos – photos of the corpses of dead enemy soldiers – and if necessary end the conversation and leave the area.

A major problem
And that’s a problem, according to the Danish branch of the human rights organisation Amnesty International and a number of politicians, who contend the procedure means that Denmark is purposely closing its eyes to possible human rights abuses.

“It’s a way to remain ignorant about possible human rights violations and war crimes. It’s comparable to sticking your fingers in your ears and singing loudly to avoid hearing something you don’t want to hear,” Claus Juul, a legal consultant with Amnesty International Denmark, told Information.

READ MORE: Danish defence minister visits troops in Iraq

Explanation pending
Radikale and Enhedslisten have vehemently criticised the procedure, and in a mail to Information the defence minister, Claus Hjort Frederiksen, has vowed to look into it.

Frederiksen said he was not behind the change in procedure, but would demand an explanation from the Defence Command regarding the issue.

Danish Originals S4 E5: Connie Nielsen

In this episode of the art and business podcast Danish Originals, Elling-born Danish actress Connie Nielsen shares her views about the role of women in Hollywood, her tv series about Danish author and painter Karen Blixen, and her interest in exploring female historical characters.
Mayor in Copenhagen wants to attract Trump-disappointed Americans

Jens-Kristian Lütken, the Employment and Integration Mayor of Copenhagen said “There are really many Americans with good ideas tired of Donald Trump being president, so we would like to entice them to Copenhagen”.
Healthcare reform: Region Hovedstaden and Region Sjælland become one huge region

The government announced the public healthcare reform. Region Zealand and the Capital Region — the main institutions responsible for providing healthcare services — will be merged into one region. The number of general practitioners will increase to 5,000 by 2035. The agreement also secures 27.5 billion kroner for the sector.
Danes are no longer best in Scandinavia to speak English

Citizens of Sweden and Norway are better at speaking English than the Danes. The Netherlands has the best English skills, according to the annual EF English Proficiency Index, which measures the world’s English proficiency.
Who are the internationals in Denmark, and what will make them thrive here?

In the second part of an analysis of internationals coming to Denmark, statistician Sa’ar Karp Gershon shares insights on what can be done today and soon to promote better prospects of foreigners in Denmark
“Here’s some advice on how to find your first job in Denmark”

“Young Danes struggle to find their first job too,” says Caroline Rossmeisl, communications professional, host, and co-founder of Karriereklubben, a podcast answering questions from young professionals

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

Career

“Here’s some advice on how to find your first job in Denmark”

“Young Danes struggle to find their first job too,” says Caroline Rossmeisl, communications professional, host, and co-founder of Karriereklubben, a podcast answering questions from young professionals
Immigrants boom in trade and transport, but lack in healthcare

Currently, 498,000 international workers are employed in Denmark, setting a record for the country. Which sectors do they work in the most, and where are they lacking? A report from Statistics Denmark sheds light on this
Internationals in employment set a new record: there are now 498,000

In the last 10 years, the number of internationals working here almost doubled, increasing from 258,500 to 498,000. They now represent 16% of the workforce

Want to advertise your job with CPH Post?

Jobs