Danish parole denial rate surges to over 62 percent

An increasing number of inmates in Denmark are being denied parole, with over 62 percent facing rejection as of April 2026. This figure represents a sharp rise from the 10 percent denial rate recorded in 1980. Statistics obtained by Justitsmonitor and Politiken from the Danish Prison and Probation Service reveal the escalating trend.

The denial rate stood at 26 percent in 2015 and climbed to 59 percent by 2024. These figures starkly contrast with the established guidelines in the parole manual, which state that parole should generally be granted once two-thirds of a sentence has been served. The manual suggests denials should only occur in specific, "obvious" cases.

Despite the guidelines, a 1987 report from the Council of Criminal Law indicated that only a small fraction of inmates should be denied parole due to "inadvisability." The Danish Prison and Probation Service acknowledges the rising denial percentage and is actively investigating the underlying causes. The service has stated its commitment to reducing the rate of rejections.