On 14th May 2009, the Danish media reported that a deal had been signed between the Danish and Iraqi governments to forcibly deport Iraqi refugees from Denmark. 282 people are reportedly under imminent threat of forcible deportation to the war-torn country.

On 16th May, a number of Iraqi refugees occupied the Church of Our Lady in Copenhagen in protest at the deal. As their number grew to 80, they have now occupied the famous Brorsons Kirke church.