The trial in Denmark after the attack on Prime Minister Frederiksen
The man whose name is not to be disclosed in the media was arrested immediately after the alleged attack on June 7 and taken into custody. He denies responsibility for the incident. If convicted, the 39-year-old Polish man faces a prison sentence and deportation from Denmark.
At his court hearing on Tuesday, the defendant stated that he recalled standing in front of the recognized government leader but could not remember touching her. "I stand before the Prime Minister and I can't remember anything until I was arrested," he said.
The defendant attributed his memory lapses to previous alcohol consumption, its effects, and his surprise at suddenly facing the Prime Minister. He also mentioned having had a "bad" day, but did not elaborate on the reasons.
Previously, the defendant's lawyer told the news agency AFP that his client could remember meeting the Prime Minister in central Copenhagen but could not recall the events because he was drunk.
In addition to the attack on Frederiksen, the 39-year-old is also accused of indecent exposure and fraud in connection with other incidents. Prosecutor Line Steffensen had previously told media that the suspect had been arrested several times for shoplifting since moving to Denmark five years ago.
Special prosecutor Anders Larsson told AFP that there is evidence regarding the attack on Frederiksen that will shed light on the incident. Three witnesses are to be questioned about this. Later in the trial, the court addressed the other charges. Larsson noted at the end of the day that the defendant had already been fined several times for theft and vandalism.
Frederiksen will not be called as a witness by either the prosecution or the defense in the trial. Instead, the two bodyguards of the Prime Minister testified on Tuesday. One of the questioned guards stated that many people were on the street when the suspect approached Frederiksen and said something incomprehensible to her. "As he walks past her, he hits her hard on the shoulder with his fist."
Frederiksen said she felt unwell after the attack. A subsequent examination by her office found a "bruise on the right shoulder and a mild whiplash injury." Shortly after the attack, the 46-year-old said in an interview that the attack was not personal, but against the Prime Minister. For the first time in her life, she sought psychological help after the attack.
Frederiksen has been at the head of the Danish government for five years. In 2019, she was elected the youngest Prime Minister in the history of the country. In the November 2022 election, her Social Democrats were again the strongest force. The attack on the social democratic politician was sharply condemned internationally.
During the trial, the defendant's lawyer mentioned seeking assistance from the European Council to help ensure his client's rights were protected due to potential language barriers. Furthermore, there were discussions about the possibility of the defendant being transferred to a Polish prison if he was convicted and deported.
