An Islamic researcher at the University of Copenhagen, Niels Valdemar Vinding, believes it is unlikely that the Islamic organization Hizb ut-Tahrir can be banned by law in Denmark. This statement comes after renewed attempts by government parties to ban the organization, despite three previous failed attempts.

Vinding argues that Hizb ut-Tahrir’s positions, while potentially disagreeable, remain within the boundaries of free speech and thought protected in Denmark. He finds it difficult to see how the Director of Public Prosecutions would find sufficient grounds to dissolve the association, as previous attempts to ban the organization in 2004, 2008, and 2025 were rejected due to constitutional concerns.

The renewed focus on Hizb ut-Tahrir follows the revelation that a member, Sebastian Østerfelt (also known as Aqeel Abu Osama), is employed as a power engineer at Energinet and has gained attention on social media for a video criticizing graduation parades as “haram” (forbidden under Islamic law). Vinding asserts that this case, and similar isolated incidents, are unlikely to provide the basis for a ban, which in Denmark primarily requires evidence of violence or other criminal offenses.

Vinding highlights Hizb ut-Tahrir’s ability to stay within legal boundaries, contrasting the situation in Denmark with countries like Germany, where organizations can be banned if they oppose intercultural coexistence or incite violence, such as calls for the killing of Jews or the destruction of Israel. While Imam Monzer Abdullah, affiliated with Hizb ut-Tahrir, was convicted in 2019 for condoning the killing of Jews, Vinding argues that his statements, made privately, do not justify banning the entire association.

Politicians have expressed concerns about Hizb ut-Tahrir’s influence. Venstre’s acting political spokesperson, Louise Elholm, stated that Hizb ut-Tahrir actively tries “to counteract our democratic values,” and the Moderates’ acting political spokesperson, Rosa Eriksen, believes that “it serves no good purpose to have such an organization in Denmark.” Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard (S) also stated that Hizb ut-Tahrir does not belong in Denmark. Vinding suggests that these statements will be used by the organization to argue that politicians are hypocritical and that democracy is fragile, implying that politicians only tolerate opinions they agree with.

Vinding also notes that Hizb ut-Tahrir is skilled at twisting politicians’ words to suggest they aim to eliminate Islam and is “constantly walking a tightrope” between provoking and expressing controversial views without crossing the line into illegality. He believes that banning the organization would likely drive it online.