Erik Solbakke Hansen: mass murderer or victim of a game?

Erik Solbakke Hansen's life was irrevocably changed after his 38 shocking confessions spread fear throughout Denmark. But the question of whether he was truly the mass murderer portrayed by the media or just a tragic pawn in a larger scheme is central to the documentary series Tilståelsen. Aired on TV 2 and created by Lotte Mathilde Nielsen and Ketil Alrup in 2020, the series explores the unsettling questions raised by Solbakke's case, especially given his imprisonment without physical evidence. Available on TV 2 PLAY, the series engages viewers through four intense episodes that delve deeply into the complexities of a case challenging fundamental concepts of justice and human rights in Denmark.

Interrogation methods under scrutiny: was Solbakke pressured?

Supported by thorough interviews and reconstructions, the series examines the police interrogation methods that led to Solbakke's numerous confessions. Considering his mental challenges—with an IQ of just 55—it becomes clear how vulnerable he was to systemic pressures. The documentary's strength lies in its in-depth analysis of the interrogation techniques, showing that Solbakke was questioned 89 times, with only four of those sessions attended by a defense attorney. While the series delivers a sharp critique of the trial's handling of mentally vulnerable individuals, it sometimes suffers from a speculative narrative style that could undermine objectivity.

A sharp critique of the justice system's handling of the vulnerable

Tilståelsen is not just a glimpse into a mysterious criminal case; it is a sharp critique of the justice system's treatment of vulnerable individuals. The series has reopened the debate on false confessions and bolstered hopes for better legal protection for vulnerable groups in Denmark. With the courage to uncover one of the country's most controversial trials, the series has established itself as an important work within the true crime genre. It reminds us of the dangers of a system prioritizing quick solutions over justice and challenges us to reconsider how we understand and manage the people who trust us with their final words.

Watch the series "Tilståelsen" on TV 2 PLAY play.tv2.dk and gain insight into the justice system's failures. Follow us for more revealing true-crime analyses.