Two Swedish Nationals Sentenced to Lengthy Prison Terms for Copenhagen Terror Attack

In a landmark case, two Swedish citizens have been sentenced to lengthy prison terms in Denmark following a grenade attack targeting a building adjacent to the Israeli embassy in Copenhagen. The incident took place in October 2024, when two hand grenades were thrown at a neighboring house of the diplomatic mission. Shortly after the attack, Danish authorities apprehended the suspects, then aged 16 and 19, aboard a train bound for Amsterdam.

The judicial proceedings commenced in the autumn, with both individuals facing charges of terrorism, attempted terrorism, and attempted murder. The now 18-year-old was identified as the perpetrator of the attack, while the 21-year-old was accused of acting as an intermediary between the criminal network known as Foxtrot and the younger assailant. Investigators believe the assignment originated from Foxtrot, which, according to previous reports, may have received instructions from entities outside of local criminal organizations.

During the trial, both defendants admitted their involvement in the events, but denied any political or ideological motives, and contested that the act constituted a terrorist offense. The younger defendant claimed ignorance regarding the true nature of the targeted address and indicated no awareness of international conflicts related to Israel or Palestine. The older defendant stated that he became aware of the embassy's location shortly before the incident and attempted to prevent the attack, but was unsuccessful.

Prosecutors argued that, regardless of intent, the attack met the criteria for terrorism under Danish law. The court agreed, finding both individuals guilty of terrorism and attempted murder. The sentences handed down were notably severe, with the 18-year-old receiving 12 years in prison and the 21-year-old sentenced to 14 years. Both are to be deported from Denmark permanently following the completion of their sentences.

The investigation revealed that the attack was orchestrated as a contract job, with no evidence suggesting political or ideological motivations. The older defendant described himself as a freelance operative for criminal groups, underscoring that the operation was commissioned rather than ideologically driven. The decision to direct the grenades at a neighboring residential building, rather than the embassy itself, was reportedly intentional. The targeted house was occupied by a family, but no physical injuries occurred as a result of the explosion, which damaged the property's terrace.

The trial attracted significant attention from both Danish and Swedish media, with multiple journalists in attendance during the verdict's announcement. The court's documentation indicated skepticism regarding the younger defendant's claims of coercion or duress, ultimately finding no substantiating evidence for such assertions. Defense lawyers had argued for reduced sentences, emphasizing the age and alleged vulnerability of their clients, but these arguments did not sway the court's decision.

The case unfolded against the backdrop of increasing cross-border criminal activity involving Swedish nationals in Denmark, particularly in 2024, during a surge in violence attributed to youth gangs. Danish authorities have reiterated their commitment to addressing such threats decisively, emphasizing that foreign criminals employing violent tactics will face severe legal consequences.

Following the verdict, both defense teams signaled their intention to appeal the sentences. The prosecution, meanwhile, expressed satisfaction with the outcome, highlighting the significance of the ruling as a deterrent against similar acts in the future. The court's decision, while not unanimous among judges and lay assessors, sets a precedent for the prosecution of organized, non-ideological attacks under anti-terror legislation in Denmark.