Aarhus Municipality and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have been acquitted in a lawsuit filed by a young woman seeking compensation following a re-education trip to Somalia. The Court in Aarhus delivered the verdict, marking the conclusion of a case that examined the authorities’ responsibility in such situations.

The 24-year-old woman, identified as Amal, sued both Aarhus Municipality and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, arguing that they failed to adequately protect her interests during the trip. This case is significant as it represents the first instance of a Danish court considering the liability of authorities in connection with a re-education trip.

The court’s decision means that Amal must now pay the legal costs for both the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Aarhus Municipality, amounting to DKK 125,000 each, for a total of DKK 250,000. Prior to the lawsuit, both Aarhus Municipality and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had rejected Amal’s claim for compensation.

The case was heard by a panel of three judges at the Court in Aarhus, commencing in May. While civil lawsuits are typically heard by a single judge, the court opted to appoint three judges due to the specific circumstances and complexity of this particular case.