Several residents charged with violating gag order in abducted baby case

Several residents have been charged with violating a court-imposed gag order in the case of a seven-month-old baby abducted in Haderslev, southern Denmark, DR reports.

South and South Jutland Police confirmed the charges, which follow the abduction on 9 March. The infant was found later that evening in a hotel room in Haderslev with a man now accused of unlawful detention and attempted sexual assault of the child.

A court hearing on 10 March resulted in the suspect’s pre-trial detention for four weeks and the issuance of a gag order at the defence lawyer’s request. However, the order was breached when the suspect’s name and image were shared on social media, according to Kent Brynielsen, deputy police inspector for South and South Jutland Police.

“Shortly after the court hearing, we became aware that photos and other identifying material were circulating on social media,” Brynielsen said.

Police have received multiple reports of violations, which are now under investigation. Charges have been filed in South and South Jutland as well as in other police districts, though exact numbers were not disclosed.

Under Danish law, violating a gag order—such as publishing a name, photo, or identifiable description—can result in a fine if the offender was aware of the restriction. Prosecutors will review the cases once the police investigation concludes.

The gag order prohibits any disclosure that could identify the protected individual, including drawings, descriptions, or other distinguishing details.