Bigamy case to be discussed in Faroe Islands on October 3

Bigamy, or ‘tvígifta’, is not a common term in Faroese law and may have never been used before. However, it has recently been added to the legal register, with a case scheduled for discussion on October 3.

This case involves a foreign woman who married in the Faroe Islands while allegedly still married in her home country. According to the penal code, a person who is already married and enters into a new marriage may face imprisonment of up to three years. If the other person was unaware of the existing marriage, the sentence can be increased to up to six years.

If the act is considered to be committed with significant negligence, the punishment could be imprisonment of up to one year. It is anticipated that the hearing will not take place on the scheduled date, as the defense attorney is expected to request a delay of around two months.