Former Social Democratic minister Henrik Sass Larsen asserts that the Social Democratic Party requested his resignation following the public announcement of an indictment against him for possession of child abuse material.

According to Sass Larsen, the Social Democrats contacted him through his lawyer, allegedly at the behest of the party secretary, asking him to resign. Party secretary Lasse Ryberg has neither confirmed nor denied these claims but stated that the party must make “considerations” given the seriousness of the indictment.

Sass Larsen does not wish to speculate whether the inquiry was initiated by the party leadership and affirms that he has retained his membership in the party. He expresses his affection for the Social Democratic Party and hopes that his recent explanations will foster understanding within the party regarding his actions.

The case involves charges of possessing over 6200 images and 2200 film sequences of child abuse material. Sass Larsen claims he received a link in 2018 to a video clip depicting a sexual assault against him when he was three years old. He states he launched his own investigation to identify and confront the individuals involved.

Furthermore, he is charged with possessing a child doll constructed for a sexual purpose. He pleads not guilty to the charges, but admits to downloading film sequences and child abuse material.

The trial is scheduled to begin at the Copenhagen City Court on August 21.