HistoryData
general2007

Terrorist plot in Denmark

September 4, 2007

A foiled Al-Qaeda-linked bombing plot in Copenhagen led to convictions of two militant Islamists, highlighting Denmark's domestic terrorism threat in 2007.

Quick Facts

Year
2007
Category
general

Key Facts

Date of arrests
September 4, 2007
Initial arrests
11 men
Convicted
2 men
Sentences
12 years and 7 years in prison
Case name (Danish)
Terrorsagen fra Glasvej
Alleged affiliation
Al-Qaeda

By the Numbers

42,007
Date of arrests
11
Initial arrests
2
Convicted
12
Sentences

Location

Map of Copenhagen, DenmarkMap of Copenhagen, DenmarkCopenhagen, Denmark

Cause → Event → Consequence

Cause

Two militant Islamists with alleged direct connections to Al-Qaeda were planning a bombing attack. Danish police and the Security Intelligence Service placed the ringleader's apartment on Glasvej under extended surveillance, gathering evidence of the plot before moving to act.

Event

On September 4, 2007, Danish police and Security Intelligence Service agents conducted coordinated raids across the Greater Copenhagen area, initially arresting 11 men and searching their homes. Two men were charged as the principal plotters; the intended target of the bombing, whether in Denmark or abroad, was never publicly confirmed.

Consequence

Following prosecution, the two principal suspects were convicted and sentenced to twelve and seven years in prison respectively. The case became a prominent example of domestic counter-terrorism action in Denmark and was named after Glasvej, the street where the ringleader's surveilled apartment was located.

Timeline Context

Timeline around 200720072004200520062008200920102007 World Men's Handball Championship — 2007 edition of the World Men's Handball ChampionshipAdam Air Flight 574 — 2007 aviation accident in Indonesia2007 FIFA Club World Cup — 2007 edition of the FIFA Club World Cup2007 World Championships in Athletics — 2007 edition of the World Championships in AthleticsJanuary 2007 — month of 20072007 Copa América — 2007 edition of the Copa América association football competition2007 Formula One World Championship — 61st season of Formula One motor racing2007 AFC Asian Cup — football tournamentalleged-2007-bomb-plot-in-copenhagen-2007