Justice Minister halts deportation of Yazan Tamimi in Iceland

The Minister of Justice, Guðrún Hafsteinsdóttir, has ordered the halt of the deportation of Yazan Tamimi, originally scheduled for today. Law enforcement had taken Yazan from the Rjóðríð rehabilitation center late yesterday evening. This morning, reports emerged that he had been returned to Reykjavik from Keflavik Airport.

The decision to suspend the deportation came following a request within the government to discuss Yazan’s case before any action was taken to remove him from the country. In light of this, Guðrún Hafsteinsdóttir honored the request and instructed that the deportation be canceled.

As news of the situation spread, approximately twenty protesters gathered at Keflavik Airport last night in opposition to Yazan’s removal, organized by No Borders Iceland. The demonstrators expressed skepticism about the chances of halting the deportation but wished to show support for Yazan’s family.

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by refugees in Iceland and raises questions about government policies regarding asylum seekers.