Ministerial interference sparks controversy over deportation case in Iceland

In a recent parliamentary session, Prime Minister Bjarni Benediktsson expressed strong concerns over a late-night phone call made by the Minister of Social Affairs, Guðmundur Ingi Guðbrandsson, to the National Commissioner of Police, Sigríður Björk Guðjónsdóttir, regarding the deportation of a family, including Yazan Tamimi. Bjarni stressed that it is highly unusual for a minister to intervene directly in police operations during an active enforcement action.

The situation arose after it was revealed that ministerial interference led to the postponement of the family’s deportation, first reported earlier this week when they were granted international protection in Iceland. Inga Sæland, leader of the People’s Party, raised the issue during an unprepared inquiry at the beginning of the parliamentary session, describing the events as “strange” and questioning the appropriateness of ministerial direct contact with law enforcement.

Bjarni acknowledged instances where the cabinet discussed sensitive issues affecting vulnerable individuals but maintained that he had no objections to the decision-making within the Ministry of Justice. He emphasized that the National Commissioner had not received directives from any other ministers apart from the Minister of Justice.

The Prime Minister acknowledged existing procedures for handling deportations carefully, particularly for individuals in precarious situations. Responses to a media inquiry about the communications between ministers indicated the need for accountability and adherence to protocol in sensitive matters.