Today’s big topic: Judges across the country are up in arms: »It’s very rare for us to speak this bluntly«
What’s happening?
Denmark’s government wants to cut costs by easing judicial oversight in criminal cases. A new bill would allow police to wiretap suspects for up to eight weeks and obtain bank records without a court order.
It would also expand the use of video hearings for defendants, witnesses and prosecutors. Judges across the country have reacted unusually strongly, calling the plans a threat to due process and the rule of law.
They object in particular to the bill describing court oversight as »a delaying element« in criminal proceedings. Critics also warn that more video hearings could undermine open justice and make courtroom reporting harder.
Why it matters!
Danish judges very rarely enter the public debate, so their unusually outspoken criticism signals just how serious they consider this bill to be.
Their warning is not merely about efficiency or courtroom procedure, but about the risk of weakening fundamental legal safeguards.
Still curious? Read the full article here.
In other news
– After 11 months away, Holger Rune is ready for a comeback: »I’ve missed it like crazy«
After 11 gruelling months out with a ruptured Achilles tendon, Holger Rune is set to make his comeback for Denmark against Bulgaria in the Davis Cup on Friday. The Danish star says he feels both excited and nervous, but is trying to focus on enjoying the moment after a long and demanding road back. Read the full article here.
– Minister proposes fivefold increase in fines for breaching residency rules
According to Ritzau, Housing Minister Jacob Mark has told Jyllands-Posten that repeat violations of Denmark’s residency requirement should in future carry a fine of DKK 100,000, up from the current maximum of DKK 20,000. He says breaching the rule harms small towns and island communities, and adds that he is prepared to consider even tougher measures if necessary.
Talk of town: KATSEYE brought the hype and the charm — but where was the show?
KATSEYE is technically a sextet, but at the moment they’re down to four, as two members are on an indefinite hiatus due to exhaustion. From left to right, it’s Daniela, Yoonchae, Lara, and Megan.
Katseye’s Royal Arena show was chaotic, overstimulating and often oddly charming, with 10-year-old fans loving every second. The much-hyped girl group, formed on Netflix, is currently down to four members, two being on indefinite hiatus.
The remaining members performed with impressive professionalism, as if they were still fighting to survive elimination on the show. But the concert itself felt strangely stripped-down and cheap for such an expensive, heavily branded pop event.
The strongest moments came with songs like ’Gnarly’, ’Animal’ and ’Gabriella’, though even these were saddled with bizarre staging choices. An infernally loud sound mix only added to the sense that Katseye deserved a much better show than this.
Read the full review here.
This weekends itinerary
Where to eat?
A sandwich worth stopping traffic for
The bread is freshly baked every morning, and the melt-in-your-mouth porchetta had just come out of the oven when I stopped by for lunch. The ingredients are top-notch!
Copenhagen may not have seemed to need another sandwich shop, but Ellis Deli makes a strong case for itself. The new spot combines focaccia bakery, porchetta roastery and deli in one stylish package, with just five sandwiches on the menu.
Its best offering is the porchetta sandwich, a rich but expertly balanced creation with crisp crackling, pickled onions, olives and Parmesan dressing.
The meatball sandwich was less convincing, but the marinated eggplant version was fresh, generous and much more memorable. With its prime corner location, Ellis Deli is also ideal for people-watching over lunch.
Read the full review here.
This is the place for lobster
Sweet, salty, umami, wow! The lobster dish was the highlight of the evening.
Nina Bangs Plads has suddenly become one of central Copenhagen’s most ambitious new restaurant hubs, and Phoebe is the latest addition.
The standout dish was a superb lobster in carrot-saffron sauce, while the steak tartare and foie gras-topped squab felt more old-school than essential. Service and menu alike gave off a slightly bygone feel, as if Phoebe were reaching for a classic luxury style out of step with the times.
The cooking was skilled and the prices fair for the location and ingredients, but the restaurant still seems to be searching for its own identity. Even so, Phoebe adds to the sense that the Inner City’s food and bar scene has been dramatically lifted.
Read the full review here.
This newsletter features stories originally published in Danish. AI was used to shorten and translate the articles into English, after which a member of the editorial staff reviewed and refined the content.