David Krivanek: Your recent article on the introduction by Danish authorities of a new intelligence bill, initially giving extraordinary rights to their intelligence agencies to spy on Danish and non-Danish citizens, had to be pulled as we were about to publish. Suddenly, it seemed, the government would remove the most controversial elements of the law. What happened?
Jacob Mchangama: The proposal met with significant criticism from both politicians and civil society including the usually very cautious association of judges. Moreover, the Danish prime minister’s justification for the proposal was factually incorrect. The PM gave the impression that the Danish Defence Intelligence Service would have to cease surveillance activities targeted at foreigners once Danish citizens become involved, when in fact the DDIS is authorized to continue such surveillance as long as it is not targeting Danish citizens. This fatally undermined the government’s credibility on the issue.
DK: This last minute change came as a result of civil society mobilization that the Danish government did not expect. How did that happen, and what was your organisation's role in that process? Controversial intelligence bills have been passed in many countries–what made Denmark different?
