No, cannibalism is not explicitly legal in Denmark, as it violates multiple provisions under the Danish Penal Code, including §163 (bodily harm) and §237 (violence against the deceased). While no statute directly addresses cannibalism, prosecutors rely on existing laws to pursue cases, as demonstrated by the 2023 Rødby incident, where a man was convicted of manslaughter after consuming parts of a victim. The Danish Health Authority (Sundhedsstyrelsen) also prohibits the consumption of human tissue under the Act on Transplantation and Other Medical Use of Tissue (2024 amendments).
Key Regulations for Cannibalism in Denmark
- §163 of the Danish Penal Code: Prohibits causing bodily harm or death, with penalties up to life imprisonment if intent to kill is proven. Cannibalistic acts inherently involve severe bodily harm, triggering this statute.
- §237 of the Danish Penal Code: Criminalizes violence against a deceased person, including dismemberment or consumption, with penalties up to 8 years imprisonment. This was invoked in the 2023 Rødby case.
- Act on Transplantation and Other Medical Use of Tissue (2024): Bans the use of human tissue for non-medical purposes, including consumption. Violations may result in fines or imprisonment under §10 of the Act.