Update on the Milena Penkowa science fraud story (background here):
[Former science minister Helge] Sander contacted several … university staff members to tell them that Penkowa’s suspension in the summer of 2010 was ”unacceptable” and that he would take the matter to the justice minister.
… [University of Copenhagen rector Ralf] Hemmingsen [says] he is ”surprised” and ”annoyed” that after the phone conversation between the two, Sander contacted other members of staff at the university to influence their decision on the matter.
It has now also emerged that Penkowa had an intimate relationship with a Science Ministry official.