Breaking News.
On Tuesday, it was announced that Sámi parliamentary council member Mikkel Eskil Mikkelsen (35) is resigning as a council member effective immediately.
On the same day, Mikkelsen was arrested and charged with possession of abusive material against children.
He has acknowledged guilt, according to the ruling from Salten and Lofoten District Court.
The basis for the charge is that he is alleged to have shared and acquired access to material showing sexual abuse against children or representations that sexualize children.
This is Mikkel Eskil Mikkelsen
Photo: Kenneth Hætta
Mikkel Eskil Mikkelsen (35) is from Drag in Nordland.
He has represented the Norwegian Sámi Association (NSR) in the Sámi Parliament since 2017.
Mikkelsen has been a part of the Sámi Council since the same time, meaning he has served two terms: first from 2017-2021, and then from 2021-2024.
The Sámi Council consists of the Sámi parliamentary president and four other council members. Each council member has their own areas of responsibility.
From 2021, Mikkelsen has been responsible for issues related to upbringing, youth policy, education and research, language, diversity, and LGBTQI+.
Between 2017-2021, he also had responsibilities for upbringing, education, and research and language, but in addition, he was responsible for Sámi statistics.
As a council member, Mikkelsen was one of the leading politicians in <span class="note" data-content="
Sápmi is the traditional name for the settlement area of the Sámi.
” data-term=”Sápmi”>Sápmi. The Sámi Council functions as the government of the Sámi Parliament and is responsible for the daily political activities.
In the Council, he was responsible for matters concerning upbringing, education, and youth policy.
In Custody
The police have obtained approval for the detention of the accused for two weeks – until November 19, says police lawyer Eirik Magnus Blomli from Nordland police district to NRK.
– At this point, it’s a bit early to disclose what we have found. A number of items have been seized that will be reviewed. Time will show what we find on the electronic devices that have been confiscated, says Blomli.
He further explains that Mikkelsen is being held in custody due to the risk of evidence tampering and in order for the police to have time to go through the electronic devices.
Police lawyer Eirik Magnus Blomli from Nordland police district says that Mikkelsen is being held in detention for two weeks to prevent evidence tampering.
There will also be mail and visitor control throughout the detention period.
– An exception has been made from the mail and visitor ban to inform that he is resigning from all positions in the Sámi Parliament effective immediately, informs Sámi parliamentary president Silje Karine Muotka to NRK.
Mikkelsen’s lawyer, Ole Kristian Sandvik, informs NRK that they will not comment on the charges against him at this time.
According to the police, children are subjected to sexual abuse in Norway every day. Many abuses go unreported.
Are you an adult with a sexual interest in children? Read more about the help service «There is help».
These are the police’s recommendations:
“If you or someone you know has experienced abuse, call the police at 02800. Ask to speak with someone who works with sexual abuse against children.
If you find it difficult to contact the police, talk to a trusted adult. This could be your teacher, someone in your family, a school nurse, or a neighbor.
An adult has a duty to try to stop a child from being subjected to violence and abuse. Do you feel you are not being heard when you talk about what has happened? Don’t give up! There are many adults who want to and can help.”
Others who can help:
The Sámi parliamentary president appointed Mikkelsen’s replacement on Wednesday.
Muotka has not been in contact with Mikkelsen
– This was a complete shock for me, says a deeply affected Sámi parliamentary president Silje Karine Muotka about the charges against Mikkelsen.
The police confirm to NRK that Mikkel Eskil Mikkelsen is in custody.
She explains that she learned of the charges from a third party on Monday at 3:30 PM. She has not been in contact with Mikkelsen since the arrest.
– Why haven’t you informed the public earlier about the charges?
– I have not been able to say anything due to the police investigation.
She says that the Sámi Parliament will assist the police in the investigation going forward.
This is why NRK identifies the accused
Published
06.11.2024, at 12:48
Updated
07.11.2024, at 11:09
Been in contact with Mikkelsen since then. Muotka expressed her disbelief at the situation, stating, “This was a complete shock for me.”
The recent developments surrounding Mikkelsen’s legal troubles have cast a shadow over the Sámi Parliament, where he has been a prominent member for several years. His role in the council included significant responsibilities related to education, youth policy, and language issues, making his alleged actions particularly troubling for the community he represented.
As the situation unfolds, the Sámi Parliament and the broader Sámi community are faced with the implications of these allegations and the ongoing investigation. The Sámi parliamentary president has since appointed a replacement for Mikkelsen as they navigate through this challenging period.
The authorities continue to emphasize the seriousness of the charges and highlight the importance of addressing child abuse and ensuring victim support. They urge anyone who has been affected or has knowledge of abuse to come forward and seek help.