Three ministers intervene in controversial deportation case of seriously ill boy from Iceland

Three current and former ministers reached out to the national police chief on the morning a seriously ill boy was to be deported from the country. The incident, which caused significant political turmoil, involved multiple individuals contacting Sigríð Björk Guðjónsdóttir, the national police commissioner, regarding the deportation of the boy and his family in mid-September.

Early on September 16, the police had already escorted the boy and his family to Keflavik Airport, where they awaited their removal from Iceland. Among those who called the national police chief were the current Minister of Justice, Gudrún Hafsteinsdóttir, and two former ministers from the Justice Ministry, including Guðmundur Ingi Guðbrandsson, who expressed his views on the deportation decision.

Reports indicate that the communication from the ministers brought to light the complexity of the situation. A formal discussion led to a decision to halt the deportation, emphasizing that only the Minister of Justice could authorize such an action. Additionally, Áslaug Arna Sigurbjörnsdóttir, Minister for Universities, Industry, and Innovation, also reached out to the police chief.

The government’s handling of the situation posed serious challenges and has been mentioned as one of the key issues that contributed to the dissolution of the coalition government over the weekend. Gudrún Hafsteinsdóttir expressed her opposition to the original deportation decision.

The press has requested documentation related to the decision-making process, including communications and notes underpinning the Minister of Justice’s choice to postpone the deportation. However, not all requested information has been provided, sparking concerns over transparency regarding the government’s actions in this delicate matter.