Danish woman’s rights breached in rape case

The European Court of Human Rights determined that Denmark violated a woman’s rights in a 2021 rape case. Prosecutorial errors resulted in the suspect’s release and no trial. The court found breaches of Article 3 and 8 of the Human Rights Convention, concerning degrading treatment and the right to private life. The victim, 24-year-old Emma, will receive 20,000 euros in compensation. After reporting the rape, the accused was detained but soon released due to notification errors. These mistakes led to a deadline miss, forfeiting the trial. Emma’s ordeal has prompted legal reforms in Denmark, including an extended deadline for indictment notifications. The justice minister admitted to past errors and assured that steps have been taken to avoid future ones.