Danish Court Rejects Lawsuit Seeking to Stop Arms Exports to Israel

Copenhagen (Quds News Network)- Denmark’s Eastern High Court on Friday rejected a lawsuit filed by several NGOs seeking to halt military exports to Israel, despite ongoing genocide in Gaza, reported Al Jazeera . The case focused on the role of Danish authorities in approving arms sales amid Israel’s genocide.

The court ruled that the organizations had no legal standing in the case. It claimed that they lacked a direct connection to the matter. Activists expect to appeal the decision to Denmark’s Supreme Court.

The lawsuit was filed in 2024 by four NGOs, including Amnesty International Denmark and the Palestinian rights group Al-Haq. They accused Denmark of violating international law by exporting military technology and F-35 jet components to Israel.

The rights groups warned that Danish-made parts could be used in attacks on Gaza civilians. They sued the foreign ministry and police, who are responsible for export licenses and policy decisions.

Tim Whyte, head of ActionAid Denmark, said in March, “Denmark should not send weapons to Israel. We need the courts to determine our responsibility.”

Activists pointed to a February court ruling in the Netherlands that ordered the Dutch government to stop exporting F-35 parts to Israel. They hoped for a similar outcome in Denmark.

The Danish police arrested 20 people in February during protests against the shipping giant Maersk. Protesters demanded that the company stop delivering weapons to Israel.

Denmark has seen months of demonstrations in support of the Palestinian people. Doctors in Copenhagen also held rallies condemning attacks on medical staff in Gaza.

Danish media previously revealed that Terma, a local defense company, supplied parts for Israel’s F-35 fighter jets. Despite criticism, Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen said the program was key to national security and alliances.

Since October 2023, Israel’s genocide in Gaza has killed over 50,800 people, mostly women and children.

Human rights groups continue to demand international accountability and an end to arms transfers that fuel the Gaza war.