Danish Politician Rasmus Paludan Ordered to Pay Compensation for Defamation: The Supreme Court’s Decision

Koran-burner Rasmus Paludan must pay NOK 15,000 in compensation for defamation of a Somali woman, Denmark’s Supreme Court has decided.

The case is linked to a demonstration in Nørrebro in Copenhagen in 2019.

When the case was heard in the High Court, the court found that Paludan spoke disparagingly about the woman’s nationality, religion and language. He also claimed that the woman was a prostitute.

– The woman is happy and relieved that the Supreme Court agrees that it was a serious violation. She hopes this decision can help others who are exposed to violations in connection with actions with extreme elements, says the woman’s lawyer, Tyge Trier.

According to the lawyer, the woman was on her way home after the end of the study day when the incident took place. Trier calls the verdict a concrete example that the police can intervene when criticism of religion turns into incitement by individuals.

– It becomes an artificial distinction when a person stands in a place and shouts for minority citizens, but describes the activity as criticism of religion. We must of course have a far-reaching criticism of religion protected by law, but in many cases it slips into an offense against minorities who happen to be on the scene, says the lawyer.

Paludan is also ordered to pay court costs.