Icelandic father convicted over honor-based threats to daughter

An Icelandic father was convicted after telling police that he and his sons would have “slaughtered” his daughter if they lived in an Arab country, mbl.is reported. He also said it would have been acceptable if his son had murdered her.

The daughter had entered a relationship that her family disapproved of. Reykjanes District Court found the father’s remarks proven in a ruling on November 1, 2024, and said they showed signs of honor-based violence: the relationship was portrayed as bringing shame on the family and as justifying her death.

The father was convicted of an offence in an intimate relationship and received a six-month suspended prison sentence. The case concerned the woman and her two daughters. Her mother, sister and brother-in-law were also convicted after the girls were taken from their home at night and the woman was prevented from reaching them. Police arrived after neighbours called for help.

Eight people were charged. Four were acquitted entirely, while the other four received suspended sentences and were acquitted of a substantial part of the charges.

Investigators used the PATRIARCH-2 assessment system, which focuses on identifying honor-based violence and ways to prevent it. Authorities held training on the system for professionals in October.