She is accused of having illegally ordered as a minister to separate an asylum-seeking couple from Syria because the woman was a minor.
Støjberg, who was known for her tough line against foreigners, has always denied that. The 48-year-old refers to a corresponding memorandum from the migration authority. Its existence only became known when the case that ultimately led to Støjberg’s resignation from the conservative Venstre party landed before a commission of inquiry.
Proceedings before a Reichsgericht are very rare. The instance deals with allegations against cabinet members for unauthorized exercise of office. It is the sixth such procedure in Danish history and the second in the past 100 years.
“It is completely unacceptable that child brides are housed with their spouses in Danish asylum centers,” Støjberg wrote in February 2016 on Facebook. “This has to be stopped immediately and I will notify the Danish immigration authorities immediately.”
23 couples were separated from each other on the instruction. In many cases, the spouses were housed in different reception centers. No consideration was given to joint children or pregnancy. No case was considered individually. A couple had sued against the forced separation – and was ultimately awarded damages.
The process should be completed before Christmas. If convicted, the politician faces a fine or even imprisonment.