DF candidate apologises after posting racist picture

Karin Fink Eriksen said that she never meant to upload the picture, arguing that she was trying to share an article by someone else, an article that she doesn’t recall

Karin Fink Eriksen, a DF candidate in the local elections next week, has apologised for uploading a picture on her Facebook page on Wednesday that depicted Muslims as paedophiles, rapists and terrorists.

Eriksen, who is running for a spot on the Aarhus City Council, has since removed the picture and explained that she never meant to upload it in the first place. She argued that she was trying to share an article by social worker Hara Dvinge, although she says she doesn't recall what the article – which she was so eager to share with her friends – was about.

“The image that Hara Dvinge used in her article was attached and that was not my intention,” Eriksen told Jyllands-Posten newspaper. “I have several Muslim friends and am by no means a racist. I have nothing against them, just those who do not behave properly.”

READ MORE: Former Dansk Folkeparti MP charged with racism for Facebook content

Under the microscope
Along with the image, Eriksen included the comment: “Unfortunately yes, get these creeps out.”

“That comment is, of course, not appropriate. But sometimes things are said during heated discussions and I am the first to apologise for it,” Eriksen said. “That’s why I removed it again. I’m not trying to insult anyone.”

Despite admitting to her wrongdoing, Eriksen said that Tuesday's local election has put politicians under the microscope and small issues are quickly escalated.

“It is obvious that everyone is looking for a hair in the soup during an election and opponents hunt for the smallest of issues,” Eriksen said.

READ MORE: New Zealanders offended by MP's "appalling ignorance"

Unfortunate timing
Whether DF chooses to remove Eriksen as a candidate with just five days to the elections remains to be seen. But for Jaleh Tavakoli, a Copenhagen City Council member, the choice should be obvious.

“Can DF accept that Karin Fink Eriksen apparently believes that Muslims are either terrorists, rapists or paedophiles? I hope not, of course,” Tavakoli wrote in her Jyllands-Posten column.

It’s not the first time that a DFer has landed in hot water for their Facebook choices. In July, Tina Petersen, a former MP for Dansk Folkeparti (DF) and current Svendborg City Council member, was indicted for racism for a photo on her Facebook page in April 2012 that compared Muslims to rubbish.




  • New agreement secures important school year for international students

    New agreement secures important school year for international students

    It will still be possible for international schools to offer education in the school year corresponding to 10th grade, also called year 11. 10 million each year is allocated to maintain the offer for internationals with children in Danish schools

  • Denmark rearms: 120 billion DKK defense plan presented

    Denmark rearms: 120 billion DKK defense plan presented

    The Danish government is massively increasing investment in defense. According to the Prime Minister, the Chief of Defense must “buy, buy, buy.” A highly unusual announcement from the Prime Minister, who will have to find money for the purchases at some point.

  • Copenhagen under water

    Copenhagen under water

    Copenhagen is facing growing risks from rising sea levels and stronger storms, with large parts of the city potentially flooded in the future. While sea levels themselves will rise by approximately 54 to 74 cm, 500,000 houses and buildings are at risk of being flooded in the next 50 years. Is there a plan to address one of the biggest challenges in the city’s history?

  • More than 1 out of 3 Danes has had neighbour conflict 

    More than 1 out of 3 Danes has had neighbour conflict 

    According to a study done by Megafon for TV2 more than one third of Danes experience or have experienced conflict with their neighbour. This study follows the release of the docu-series Naboen fra Helvede (The Neighbour from Hell), opening the conversation across Denmark. 

  • Major education reform introduces epx, cancels 10th grade, and more

    Major education reform introduces epx, cancels 10th grade, and more

    Yesterday, a major education reform was passed. Among the most important changes, 10th grade will be abolished in public schools, the EPX program will be launched, and grade requirements for admission to the existing STX and HHX programs will be increased.

  • One in five employees in Denmark in mentally straining conditions 

    One in five employees in Denmark in mentally straining conditions 

    A new report reveals that many workers in Denmark, especially in healthcare and hospitality, face difficult psychological work environments, with women particularly affected by stress, bullying, and violence.