Denmark’s and the Nordic Countries’ Candidate for Judge of the International Criminal Court, 2027-2036
Mette Lyster Knudsen
Extensive judicial experience
High degree of professionalism
Strong consensus-building skills
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I have rich experience as a judicial practitioner in both criminal law and procedure dealing with complex and sensitive cases.
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I have the professional expertise to work from day one at the ICC with witnesses and evidence of the most serious international crimes.
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I am passionate about justice and take pride in the highest professional and ethical standards.
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I strive for consensus and a strong, collegiate working environment.
Motivation
"The International Criminal Court is the cornerstone of all international efforts to deliver justice for victims and survivors of the world’s gravest crimes. If elected, I will uphold the highest standards of integrity, independence, and impartiality, and use my experience to run fair and efficient trials. Through my candidacy, I wish to contribute to the fight against impunity."
- Mette Lyster Knudsen
Mette Lyster Knudsen's CV
2019 – present: High Court Judge, Eastern High Court, Court of Appeals, Copenhagen, Denmark
2024 – present: President, Danish Association of Judges
1995 – present: External Lecturer in the Law of Evidence and Witness Examination, Faculty of Law, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
2023 – 2024: Chair of Expert Committee on Implementation into Danish Penal Code of Crimes of Torture, War Crimes and Crimes against Humanity, and Ratification of the Amendment to the Rome Statute on the Crime of Aggression
2015 – 2019: Judge, District Court of Glostrup, Denmark
2013 – 2014: Assisting Chief of Staff, North Zealand Police
2011 – 2013: Director of Administration and Member of Executive Management
Danish Security and Intelligence Service (PET)
2007 – 2011: Deputy Chief Constable, Zealand and Lolland-Falster Police
2002 – 2007: Head of Department / Deputy Head of Department, Ministry of Justice, Denmark
1996 – 1998 and 2003: Prosecutor, Copenhagen Police and State Prosecutor of Zealand, Denmark
1995-1996 and 1998-2002: Head of Section, Ministry of Justice, Denmark
Denmark and the International Criminal Court
Denmark has been a steadfast supporter of the International Criminal Court since its establishment. The nomination of High Court Judge Mette Lyster Knudsen marks the first time Denmark has put forward a candidate for election as a Judge of the ICC. Her candidacy reflects Denmark’s unwavering commitment to the Court, particularly at a time when the international criminal justice system faces serious challenges. It also underscores Denmark’s strong belief in the rule of law, accountability, and the vital role of international criminal justice. We are proud to present Judge Knudsen as Nordic candidate for the ICC, with the full support of Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden.