Solaris files complaint against Helgi Magnús Gunnarsson in Iceland over derogatory remarks

The board of Solaris, an organization supporting asylum seekers and refugees in Iceland, has filed a formal complaint against Helgi Magnús Gunnarsson, the Deputy State Prosecutor. Solaris claims that his comments made on July 16 and July 19 regarding immigrants and refugees from the Middle East, as well as about the organization itself, its volunteers, and clients, undermine the trust in the office of the State Prosecutor.

The organization contends that his statements include defamation and derogatory remarks based on ethnic or national origin, color, race, or religious beliefs, as well as slander under general criminal laws. They have also formally reported these same comments to the State Prosecutor, referencing laws concerning the rights and responsibilities of state employees along with general criminal statutes.

Given that the Deputy State Prosecutor serves as a deputy to the State Prosecutor, who is the highest authority on prosecution in Iceland, the organization believes it is crucial to escalate the issue. They argue that his conduct tarnishes the reputation of the State Prosecutor’s office and the prosecution’s integrity overall.

Solaris states, “The behavior and expressions of Helgi Magnús are disrespectful to both him and the office of the State Prosecutor, and they undermine trust in that office.” According to the organization, such actions not only reflect poorly on his role as Deputy State Prosecutor but also on the office itself and the prosecutorial system as a whole.