Court Drama: Polish Man Denies Assaulting Danish Prime Minister

A Polish man has pleaded not guilty to assaulting Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen in June. The incident raised concerns about the safety of public officials in Denmark. Frederiksen sustained a minor neck injury. The defendant claims intoxication impacted his memory. A verdict is expected soon.

A Polish man pleaded not guilty in court on Tuesday to charges of attacking and injuring the Danish prime minister, Mette Frederiksen, during an encounter in June. The incident, which occurred two days before the European Parliament elections, has intensified concerns over the safety of public officials in Denmark.

Frederiksen suffered a minor neck injury, leading her to cancel several engagements and issue a warning about rising aggression in public spaces. The 39-year-old defendant, accused of punching Frederiksen in a Copenhagen public square, claimed he recognized her but denied any physical contact. He cited intoxication as a reason for his lack of recollection.

One of Frederiksen's security guards testified that the defendant did punch the prime minister. Although Frederiksen will not testify, eyewitnesses confirmed she left the scene unaided. The defendant, living in Denmark since 2019, admitted to some charges of fraud and indecent exposure, while denying others. A verdict could be reached as early as Wednesday.

(With inputs from agencies.)