Boy arrested during protests outside Icelandic government offices amid outrage over police actions

A 13-year-old boy was arrested during protests outside the Icelandic government offices on Friday, October 25. Witnesses report that the police used excessive force during the arrest. Videos of the incident have sparked significant outrage on social media.

The protests, organized on short notice, aimed to demand action from the Icelandic government regarding Israeli assaults on Gaza and Lebanon. Demonstrators also expressed their opposition to comments made by Foreign Minister Þórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörð Gylfadóttur at the United Nations General Assembly in late September, where she referenced evidence that hospitals in Gaza were being used for operations that could compromise their sanctity.

During the protests, attendees splashed washable paint on the steps of the government building. According to witnesses, the arrested boy was seen throwing paint at a police officer who attempted to seize his paint can. Although the boy was not immediately detained after throwing paint, he was arrested approximately 15 minutes later while waving a flag within a police cordon.

Police confirmed that the minor was arrested for damaging property and failing to follow police orders. Following standard procedure, child protection services were notified, and the boy’s parents were contacted.

Witnesses assert that the police’s handling of the situation was excessively aggressive, claiming one officer knelt on the boy during his arrest. The police have not yet determined whether charges will be filed against the boy, with the case still under investigation.