Helgi Magnús disputes request for laptop and access amid public scrutiny in Iceland

Helgi Magnús Gunnarsson, an assistant attorney general, has been asked to return a laptop, keys to the agency’s premises, and parking access to the Office of the National Commissioner of Police. He argues that this request lacks legal basis, as the Minister of Justice has yet to make a decision regarding his case.

The matter surrounding Helgi Magnús has garnered considerable public attention in recent weeks after Sigríður Friðjónsdóttir, the national prosecutor, suggested to Minister of Justice Guðrún Hafsteinsdóttir that he be temporarily relieved from his duties. This recommendation follows comments he made publicly regarding asylum seekers and refugees, which were deemed “improper and incompatible with his role” by the national prosecutor.

Helgi Magnús confirmed receiving an email from the office’s director, likely drafted by the national prosecutor, requesting his work laptop, keys, and parking access. He has not seen any legal grounds for this request, emphasizing that he is still employed. He pointed out that it should not be the minister’s prerogative to decide on his workplace access unless a formal decision regarding his suspension has been communicated to him or his lawyer, which has not occurred.

Consequently, Helgi Magnús currently sees no reason to comply with the request given the lack of a formal decision about his status within the agency.