Indictment in Submarine Case
Today, the Prosecution Service at Copenhagen Police Department has brought charges against Peter Madsen in the submarine case. Among other things, he is charged with homicide, indecent handling of a corpse, and other sexual relations than intercourse with the female Swedish journalist, Kim Wall.
Today, Peter Madsen has been charged with homicide. According to the indictment, the homicide took place with prior planning and preparation. According to the indictment, the method of killing is unknown but the homicide could have taken place by cutting of the throat or strangulation. He is simultaneously being charged with sexual relations other than intercourse of a particularly dangerous nature, as well as for dismemberment.
Furthermore, Peter Madsen is charged with two counts of severe violation of the Act on Safety at Sea.
In the indictment, the prosecution claims that Peter Madsen’s submarine should be confiscated with the intent of destruction.
Claim of life imprisonment – secondarily, safe custody
The prosecution will claim that Peter Madsen should be sentenced to life imprisonment. Simultaneously, there is a secondary claim for safe custody. The question of safe custody was presented to the Danish Medico Legal Council after a psychiatric assessment of Peter Madsen. On January 15, 2018, the Danish Medico Legal Council assessed that safe custody may be required.
»This is a very unusual and extremely brutal case which has had tragic consequences for Kim Wall and her relatives. The interest in the case has been enormous. However, we hope the media will respect that further evidence in the case must be presented in court and not in the press,« says Special Prosecutor Jakob Buch-Jepsen from the Prosecution Service, Legal Division for offences against a person, at Copenhagen Police.
Claim of remand until sentencing
Peter Madsen is currently remanded until February 7, 2018. On this date, the Prosecution will make the claim that Peter Madsen should be remanded until sentencing. The trial against him has been prescheduled as a trial by jury at the City Court of Copenhagen lasting for eight court days beginning on March 8, 2018 and with expected sentencing on April 25, 2018.
Kim Wall’s relatives notified of indictment
The indictment has been proclaimed to the defendant and has been sent to his defence counsel, Bettina Hald Engmark. Furthermore, Kim Wall’s close relatives have been informed of the indictment by the Copenhagen Police.
There will be a short press briefing today at 2:30 pm in front of Københavns Politigård, where the contents of this press release will be recapped and there will be the possibility of asking a few questions.
The indictment will not be accessible until Tuesday, January 23, 2018, cf. Section 6 (1) in the Consolidation Act on Mass Media Access to Hearing Requests, Indictments, etc. Enquiries in this matter are to be sent to the Copenhagen Police Communications Department at kbh-presse@politi.dk