Reports that gangs have begun to demand protection money in the Nørrebro district of Copenhagen have caused Justice Minister Brian Mikkelsen (Cons) to consider how to make it easier for courts to use anonymous witnesses in anti-gang trials, according to Berlingske Tidende.

“Within 14 days a working group will make suggestions on how to make it easier to be an anonymous witness in Denmark. If we are to break these gangs, we have to take further steps,” Mikkelsen says.

The working group, which consists of representatives of the courts, the National Commissioner’s Office and the Director of Public Prosecutions, is considering how to change conditions for appearances by anonymous witnesses in Danish courtrooms.

Among other issues, Mikkelsen wants to make it easier to testify by video link, as well as adapting courtrooms so that anonymous witnesses can be completely isolated from the accused and general public before, during and after trials.

Political support
At the same time, police and courts are to be more outgoing in making witnesses aware of the possibility of providing anonymous testimony. Such a change in practice has previously been opposed in Parliament, but a firm majority across the political spectrum now supports the idea.