A court hearing began at 09:00 in Aarhus today about a 33-year-old man who is believed to have planned to carry out a possible terrorist attack in the middle of Aarhus on 16 July.
His weapons are reported to be three knives and a car. It is believed that he intended to attack Frederiksgade, a street in the center of the city lined with restaurants and bars.
The man, who first appeared in court on July 17, has pleaded not guilty, although it is not entirely clear what he is charged with.
Terrorist motives are suspected
He was initially charged with traffic violations and weapons possession, but investigators began to suspect a terrorist motive – a finding cited by the judge at the first hearing.
Since the arrest, the man has been detained in a closed psychiatric ward. Today’s case will decide whether he should be released or kept in prison for another four weeks.
Had the incident resulted in any deaths, it would have followed just 13 days after Field’s shootings, which killed three people.
Police reports indicate it was a serious incident
The case is considered to be of a sensitive nature, and the trial is therefore taking place behind closed doors.
A few details emerged in the aftermath of the incident: That a man who matched the suspect’s description drove recklessly down Frederiksgade, causing pedestrians to jump aside. The incident was reported to the police at 11:46 p.m.
According to East Jutland Police, however, the officers only caught the man because he contacted roadside assistance when his car had been damaged. At around 02:00 in Herskind, officers found two large knives in the man’s car and a smaller knife on his person.
Previously declared insane
The man was initially charged with violating the Knife Act and reckless driving, but in court the next day the judge decided to detain him in connection with section 114 of the Criminal Code, which relates to terrorist attacks.
According to DR, the man has previous gang convictions. A court in 2015 declared him insane.
According to TV2 รstjylland, concrete blocks have been strategically placed on the Aarhus street to prevent another motorist from attempting the same thing.
It is believed to be the first time in Danish history that a car has been used in a possible terrorist attack.
Source: The Nordic Page