Defence lawyer in murder case receives hate mail and threats

A Danish defence lawyer representing a man convicted of murdering a 13-year-old girl has received abusive emails and threats from strangers, she told public broadcaster DR on Wednesday.

Mette Grith Stage, who defended the 20-year-old sentenced to 12 years in prison for the killing in Hjallerup, said she had been called a “monster without respect for others” and received messages wishing death upon her and her family. The case had drawn intense public reaction after the Eastern High Court’s ruling earlier this week.

“I’ve received the usual kind of reactions I get when handling these violent cases that dominate the media,” Stage said. “Complete strangers with no connection to the case feel the need to tell me what a terrible person I am and wish all kinds of destruction upon me and my family.”

She acknowledged that strong emotions from the victim’s relatives were understandable but expressed frustration at the broader public response. “I don’t understand why so many random people question whether it’s ‘ethically acceptable’ for me to take on such a horrific case,” she said.

Stage emphasised that her role was to uphold a defendant’s rights within the law, not to endorse criminal acts. “I’m not a supporter of crime. I don’t think, ‘How great that my client avoided preventive detention and only got 12 years,’” she said. “This case is horrifying, but I have a function in a legal system, and that’s what I fulfil.”

Widespread issue in legal profession

The abuse is not isolated to Stage. Kåre Pihlmann, chair of the National Association of Defence Lawyers, told DR that harassment and threats were a persistent problem in the profession. “Unfortunately, it’s widespread, which is why defence lawyers were included last year in the special protection measures under Section 119 of the Criminal Code, alongside judges, prosecutors, and police,” he said.

A 2024 survey by the Danish Bar and Law Society found that 35% of family and defence lawyers had experienced threats or harassment within two years. Seven percent had considered leaving the profession as a result.

Stage, who regularly lectures on the defence lawyer’s role, said she hoped raising awareness—including through a recent social media post—might prompt reflection. “It’s something we probably just have to accept, but making it visible might make some people think twice,” she said.