By Ebad Ahmed
PRAGUE, Czech Republic (AA) – Danish prosecutors have called for the deportation of a 39-year-old Polish man charged with assaulting Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, according to Danish news agency Ritzau on Monday.
In addition to deportation, the prosecutors have requested the court impose a travel ban preventing the Polish national from returning to Denmark for at least six years. He faces charges related to violence against public servants during the course of their duties.
Prosecutors are also pursuing additional charges, arguing that the assault was motivated by Frederiksen’s “legal statements in the public discourse,”,which could lead to a harsher sentence.
The trial is set for Aug. 6-7 at Copenhagen City Court.
During a preliminary hearing, the accused pleaded not guilty, claiming he was “pleasantly surprised” to see the prime minister and denied holding any grudge against her. He described Frederiksen as a “really good prime minister” and said he does not remember much of the incident, stating he was simply out to enjoy his Friday evening.
Following the hearing, Copenhagen police reported finding no political motivation behind the assault, describing it as “a single, spontaneous act.”
The arrest report indicates that the accused may have been under the influence during the incident, as he appeared absent, lethargic, and mumbling at the time of his arrest.