Höfðatorg attack victim moves to safer housing

The man brutally attacked in a parking garage at Höfðatorg has moved to safer housing and is suffering from serious post-traumatic stress, mbl.is reported, citing a newly published Reykjavík District Court judgment. He has nightmares, pain and severe psychological distress, and says he can barely climb stairs without pain.

In testimony, the man said he had broken his shoulder and needed surgery. He also has back and neck pain, nerve pain in one hand and swelling on the top of his foot. His knees are badly damaged, he said, and he can no longer do the things he used to.

He attends physiotherapy twice a week and has spoken with the trauma team at Landspítali hospital. He spends most of his time at home, sleeps poorly and wakes easily.

A psychologist’s report submitted during the case described serious trauma symptoms, including nightmares in which the attack repeats until he wakes as a car is about to drive over his head. He has also reported intrusive memories, anxiety and intense fear. An assessment found that he had post-traumatic stress disorder, and his psychologist told the court that he met the diagnostic criteria.

The attack took place in the early hours of March 17, when a group of men attacked him in the parking garage. A white Land Rover was driven into him at high speed, after which he was beaten with a blunt object and stabbed with a bladed weapon. The court found he would have died without first aid and necessary medical treatment.

Kareem M. M. Abufarhah was sentenced to five years in prison for attempted murder over the collision. Mohamed Sayidali Ahmed received an 18-month sentence for aggravated assault, while a third defendant was acquitted. The court awarded the victim 2.2 million Icelandic krónur in compensation for non-pecuniary harm, citing the severe psychological effects of the attack. The judgment was issued on October 9.