Man released after 28 months in pre-trial detention in highly classified terror case

A 60-year-old man held in pre-trial detention for nearly 28 months in a highly secretive terror investigation has been released, though he remains charged under Denmark’s anti-terror laws, DR reports.

The man’s defence lawyer, Michael Juul Eriksen, confirmed the release on Wednesday, stating his client was “naturally very relieved.” Eriksen, who recently took over the case, had argued that continued detention lacked legal grounds. “We are satisfied that the court has now reached the same conclusion,” he said.

The man was first arrested in December 2023 during a coordinated operation by Denmark’s Security and Intelligence Service (PET) and five regional police districts. Initially charged with terror offences, his detention was later extended in October 2024 under suspicion of terror financing—a case that remains classified.

Copenhagen Police acknowledged the prolonged detention in a written statement, citing the “complex and time-consuming” nature of terror financing investigations. Authorities confirmed the man’s release no longer posed a risk to the inquiry but stressed that charges against him remain active.

The case stems from a 2023 anti-terror raid where three individuals were detained. While all were initially suspected of terror-related crimes, the 60-year-old was the last to remain in custody after his detention was reclassified. Danish legal analyst Louise Dalsgaard called the case “exceptional,” noting both its secrecy and the rare two-year pre-trial detention period.

PET previously described the 2023 operation as a “very early-stage” intervention, alleging a terror plot was in preparation—though no details on targets or timelines were disclosed. Reports at the time linked the suspects to the Loyal To Familia gang and the militant group Hamas.

No formal indictments have been filed, but the investigation continues. A scheduled hearing at the Østre Landsret court to review the detention’s legality was set for Friday—just days after the man’s release. Dalsgaard suggested the timing implied authorities anticipated the court would rule against further detention.