Danish taxpayers cover cost for pirate's prosthetic leg following shootout with navy
Denmark will finance the prosthetics and an "integration plan" for a Nigerian pirate who lost his leg in a confrontation with the Danish navy. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
**Lucky Frances Granted Asylum in Denmark Despite Conviction for Piracy**
Denmark will cover the costs for a prosthetic limb and an “integration plan” for a Nigerian pirate who attacked its navy, following extensive legal proceedings that have cost Danish taxpayers approximately $615,000, as reported by local media.
Lucky Frances, 42, was involved in a group of pirates that attempted to board the Danish frigate Esbern Snare during a patrol mission in international waters in the Gulf of Guinea off Nigeria in 2021. The confrontation resulted in the death of four pirates and left Frances with a gunshot wound to his leg, which ultimately led to amputation after he was brought to Denmark for medical treatment.
A Copenhagen court found Frances guilty of endangering the lives of naval personnel, but he avoided imprisonment due to his medical condition. Initially indicating a desire to return to Nigeria, he later sought asylum in Denmark, receiving a residence permit in January of this year.
As part of the “integration contract,” Frances was provided with an education and employment plan aimed at assisting him in adapting to Danish society and the labor market, according to local media reports. Although his request for financial compensation was denied, the court determined that the state should fund his prosthetic leg.
The ruling has faced criticism from opposition politicians. Mikkel Bjorn, spokesman for the right-wing Danish People’s Party, labeled it “absolutely absurd.” He stated, “That man should never have been in Denmark, and to imagine that he can now be meaningfully integrated here is completely unrealistic.” He added, “I can’t see how he can make a meaningful contribution to Danish society,” insisting that Frances ought to be in “prison or in a closed immigration center.” Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen expressed similar concerns, mentioning that she “cannot defend this decision.”
Danish media indicate that the legal proceedings alone have amounted to approximately $615,000 in taxpayer costs, with further expenses anticipated for Frances' rehabilitation and integration.
Anna Muller for TROIB News
Denmark will cover the costs for a prosthetic limb and an “integration plan” for a Nigerian pirate who attacked its navy, following extensive legal proceedings that have cost Danish taxpayers approximately $615,000, as reported by local media.
Lucky Frances, 42, was involved in a group of pirates that attempted to board the Danish frigate Esbern Snare during a patrol mission in international waters in the Gulf of Guinea off Nigeria in 2021. The confrontation resulted in the death of four pirates and left Frances with a gunshot wound to his leg, which ultimately led to amputation after he was brought to Denmark for medical treatment.
A Copenhagen court found Frances guilty of endangering the lives of naval personnel, but he avoided imprisonment due to his medical condition. Initially indicating a desire to return to Nigeria, he later sought asylum in Denmark, receiving a residence permit in January of this year.
As part of the “integration contract,” Frances was provided with an education and employment plan aimed at assisting him in adapting to Danish society and the labor market, according to local media reports. Although his request for financial compensation was denied, the court determined that the state should fund his prosthetic leg.
The ruling has faced criticism from opposition politicians. Mikkel Bjorn, spokesman for the right-wing Danish People’s Party, labeled it “absolutely absurd.” He stated, “That man should never have been in Denmark, and to imagine that he can now be meaningfully integrated here is completely unrealistic.” He added, “I can’t see how he can make a meaningful contribution to Danish society,” insisting that Frances ought to be in “prison or in a closed immigration center.” Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen expressed similar concerns, mentioning that she “cannot defend this decision.”
Danish media indicate that the legal proceedings alone have amounted to approximately $615,000 in taxpayer costs, with further expenses anticipated for Frances' rehabilitation and integration.
Anna Muller for TROIB News
