Eleven-year-old Palestinian boy faces deportation to Spain while advocacy group rallies support in Iceland

Yazan Tamimi, an eleven-year-old Palestinian boy suffering from muscular dystrophy, and his family are facing potential deportation to Spain. Advocacy group Friends of Yazan has launched a petition, gathering signatures from across Icelandic society to urge the government to show compassion in Yazan’s case.

Yazan is diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, which requires ongoing medical assistance. If deported, there is a significant risk that his medical care will be disrupted. Unnur Helga Óttarsdóttir, chairperson of the disability support organization Þroskahjálp and leader of Friends of Yazan, reports an overwhelming response to the petition.

The support has come from a diverse group of individuals, including artists, psychologists, doctors, clergy, and union leaders. Noteworthy signatories include the Bishop of Iceland, Agnes M. Sigurðardóttir, musician Bubbi Morthens, actress Edda Björgvinsdóttir, and poet Steinunn Sigurðardóttir, among many others.

The Friends of Yazan were formed following a solidarity event in June that highlighted Yazan’s plight. Unnur stated that they reached out to every member of parliament and urged them to respond to the situation. Following insufficient reactions, the group was established to rally support.

Currently, the family has not received adequate substantive treatment due to having had a Spanish passport. Thus, they could be returned under the Dublin Regulation, as their case was dismissed by the Immigration Appeals Board. Yazan’s lawyer, Albert Björn Lúðvígsson, is seeking to have the case reopened, emphasizing that Yazan’s disability was not properly considered initially.

The timeline for any potential deportation remains uncertain, and there are concerns about Yazan’s health should the deportation proceed while the appeal is under review.