Danish IS fighter arrested in Turkey

Detained man among the first foreign fighters to leave Denmark for Syria

A Danish citizen who has allegedly fought for the jihadist organisation Islamic State (IS) has been arrested in Turkey.

According to the radio station Radio24syv, the 26-year-old was among four who travelled to Syria to fight for IS and who were charged in absentia in Copenhagen in 2014 for breaching the terror law. They were one of the first Danish groups to join the ranks of IS and the three others have since been killed.

According to the man’s sister, he has been seriously wounded in a bomb attack and wants to be sent back to Denmark.

READ MORE: Denmark may have to bring back jailed IS fighters from Syria

No brainer or no mercy?
The Danish authorities have confirmed the man’s arrest and revealed that the Danish police are in discussion with the Turkish authorities regarding the possibility of getting him extradited to Denmark.

However, some politicians aren’t very keen on the idea of quickly bringing him back to Denmark, even if he does require medical attention.

“We don’t owe him anything. So we don’t think we need to actively try to get him and others like him home. He chose to disregard the values we represent here in Denmark,” Morten Bødskov, an MP for Socialdemokratiet and the former justice minister, told Radio24syv




  • Everything you need to know about Greenland’s upcoming elections 

    Everything you need to know about Greenland’s upcoming elections 

    During an unprecedented time in the global spotlight, Greenland will hold a general election focusing on the struggle for independence, its economy, and its international relations.

  • Danish NGOs on thin ice: The Greenland dispute’s hidden risks for aid

    Danish NGOs on thin ice: The Greenland dispute’s hidden risks for aid

    Danish humanitarian and development organizations rely significantly on funding from institutional donors. Among these, USAID and other U.S.-based donors, contribute a substantial portion of funding to Danish NGOs operating internationally.

  • Ryanair cancels all flights to and from Billund 

    Ryanair cancels all flights to and from Billund 

    Ryanair has increased its cuts from the Billund-Aalborg route to encompass its entire operation to and from Billund Airport. The airline’s scarce communication is leaving both the airport and passengers scrambling for answers.

  • What do Danes do for “Vinterferie”?

    What do Danes do for “Vinterferie”?

    As tradition has it, many Danes take a week off for Vinterferie next week. Or the week after. It’s a bit confusing, especially since Christmas and New Year’s Holiday are not far away. What’s going on?

  • The educational options for internationals in Denmark

    The educational options for internationals in Denmark

    Denmark offers free public education, but private schools and universities for non-EU students require tuition. Language is a barrier, with international schools available for children and limited English-taught university programs. In 2024, Denmark expanded university seats for internationals and introduced an HF-international program in Aarhus.

  • Aarhus Gymnasium is launching Denmark’s first HF program for internationals

    Aarhus Gymnasium is launching Denmark’s first HF program for internationals

    Aarhus Gymnasium is launching Denmark’s first HF-international program in August, offering young adult internationals an alternative to IB programs with a focus on career-oriented education and Danish language learning. Unlike IB, it reduces academic pressure while providing access to vocational schools and professional bachelor’s degrees