Editing Absalon (section)

==Exposure and Controversy==
Absalon came to public attention in November 1990, following the exposure of Italy’s Gladio network, which prompted scrutiny of similar operations across Europe. Danish press headlines, such as those in Berlingske Tidende, reported on the group ‘Absalon.’ An unnamed former member confirmed its post-WWII origins. However, Danish politicians and intelligence officials, including former Defense Minister Erling Brondum (1973–1975), denied or downplayed Absalon’s significance, with Brondum claiming ignorance of the name despite referencing it in 1974 parliamentary discussions.

Parliamentary Response: The Danish parliament opted to discuss Absalon behind closed doors, issuing no public report, which fueled suspicions of a cover-up. Defense Minister Hans Engell (1982–1987) provided contradictory statements, calling Absalon’s details “highly classified” while denying its influence, indirectly confirming its existence.

Continued Operations: A 2020 Voltaire Network article alleged that Absalon, supposedly dissolved in 1989, remained active, citing a 1992 agreement between President Bill Clinton and Danish Prime Minister Poul Nyrup Rasmussen allowing U.S. access to Denmark’s internet infrastructure for NSA spying. This suggests Absalon’s infrastructure may have evolved into modern intelligence operations.