Chairperson advocates for name change law review following Mohamad Kourani’s surname change in Iceland

The chairperson of the general and education committee is advocating for a review of naming laws in light of Mohamad Kourani’s recent decision to change his surname to Th. Jóhannesson. Bryndís Haraldsdóttir, a member of the Independence Party, emphasizes the importance of individuals’ right to change their names, stating, “It raises questions about whether we need to consider the legislation, and I believe it all points in that direction at first glance.”

Kourani’s name change, recorded in the national registry, has prompted Bryndís to seek information on how common such changes are and how they are handled in neighboring countries. She plans to discuss this matter with Guðrún Hafsteinsdóttir, the Minister of Justice, when parliament reconvenes. Bryndís intends to emphasize that the issue deserves examination well into the fall.

Kourani, who has a history of numerous criminal convictions—including assault and various breaches of law—has generated concern regarding the implications of name changes in relation to security and the potential for misuse by individuals with criminal backgrounds. Bryndís acknowledges the legal right of individuals to change their names at least once but questions how this right applies to foreign nationals who have not obtained Icelandic citizenship.

The discussion raises broader questions about whether name-changing rights should be restricted to citizens alone, especially given cases where offenders have changed their names after convictions. “I doubt that we can limit these rights based on an individual’s past,” Bryndís asserts, highlighting that any measures taken should comply with constitutional standards.