Concerns mostly unfounded
The stated reason at the time of the suspension was the suspicion that FE was collaborating with the US National Security Agency to spy on Danish citizens – “serious concerns raised by an independent inspection”, according to Bramsen.
An investigation found no evidence of wrongdoing, and four of the five were reinstated, leaving just FE manager Lars Findsen in limbo.
He was eventually arrested in late 2021 and charged with six counts: five relating to the disclosure of state secrets and one for breaching general confidentiality provisions.
Serious claim in the book
Findsen claimed that Bramsen personally told him that the action was essential to ensure that she reached the 90 mandates necessary for her to continue in her job.
She reportedly said, “But you’ve been with me so many years that you know I should be able to count to 90.”
And now, according to Hummelgaard, these claims, which were first aired in his book ‘Spionchefen – Memoirs From Cell 18’ during the election campaign in October 2022, will be fully investigated.
Findsen faces a long sentence
Findsen further claims that it was “unthinkable” that the Prime Minister’s Office was not aware of the situation.
Bramsen completely denies his allegations. “I can completely deny that Lars Findsen has been subjected to political persecution in any way,” she wrote on Facebook in October:
Findsen can risk 12 years in prison, as the criminal law in connection with the disclosure of state secrets falls under the umbrella of treason – the same law that another former defense minister, Claus Hjort Frederiksen, is accused of having violated.
He pleads not guilty on all counts. Originally planned to take place over 28 court hearings at Copenhagen City Court from 30 October to March 2024, the trial will now take place at Lyngby Court. it was confirmed on March 2and the schedule is unknown.
Source: The Nordic Page