International Round-Up: Hong Kong to investigate possibility of prosecuting Danish politicians

Shipowner, meanwhile, to go to prison for exploiting two Ghanaian illegal workers

The Hong Kong Ministry of Justice is currently investigating whether sections of their law can be applicable to prosecuting Danish politicians who aided a pro-democracy activist to flee.

“Wherever any person (including foreign politicians) is suspected of having committed a crime by having organised, planned or assisted with an escape, the police will actively investigate and pursue its legal obligations within the framework of existing legislations,” writes the minister of security, John Lee.

Danish politicians Uffe Elbæk and Katarina Ammitzbøll helped Ted Hui to flee in December 2020. He is facing charges of pro-democracy and, if convicted, would be sentenced to several years in prison.

Potential diplomatic nightmare
The Danish politicians issued a fake conference invitation to Ted Hui, giving the impression he will be talking about the environment and sustainability. The Hong Kong police accordingly didn’t suspect he was planning to go into exile in Denmark.

The case could potentially cause damage diplomatic ties between Denmark and China. Hong Kong’s local government is a subordinate to China.

The Danish foreign minister, Jeppe Kofod, denies any wrongdoing on account of the politicians and emphasises that they should be able to meet whoever they want without any fear of reprisals.


Greenland to bring a thousand stranded citizens home from Denmark
Greenland plans to evacuate 1,000 of its stranded citizens from Denmark over the next 14 days. They will be sending 11 special flights to pick up those who wish to return. Air traffic has been closed in Greenland in order to stop the spread of the British variant of coronavirus.

Danish government aid pledge to repatriate Western Balkan migrants
The Danish government has earmarked 45 million kroner for two development projects in the Western Balkans, where thousands of migrants are facing a humanitarian crisis. The project will strengthen border controls as well as the repatriation of migrants and rejected asylum-seekers. Currently, over 1,600 migrants are living in destroyed buildings and tents as the result of a fire that destroyed the camp of Lisa in Bosnia.

New UN Deputy Special Representative from Denmark
Mette Knudsen has been appointed the new Deputy Special Representative (Political) for Afghanistan at the United Nations Assistance Mission in the south Asian country. She previously served as the ambassador of Denmark to Afghanistan.

West Jutland shipowner convicted of exploiting foreigners
A shipowner from Thyborøn has been given a sentence of one and a half years in prison and a fine of three million kroner for exploiting two Ghanaian fishermen. The men were hired under unfair working conditions that included a monthly salary of 9,000 kroner for working 66 hours. Their residence permits expired in 2017, which meant the shipowner was also convicted of making them work and stay in Denmark illegally.

Danish breast milk substitute a hit in China
There is great interest in a new Danish breast milk substitute in China to the extent that private Chinese citizens are buying it to sell on. So-called ‘daigou’ shoppers purchase everyday items from Danish supermarkets and then sell them. One of the most popular items was found to be the breast milk substitute.




  • 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.

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