Protests erupt outside government meeting in Reykjavik over Yazan Tamimi’s deportation

Protests occurred outside a government meeting today regarding the case of Yazan Tamimi, whose expulsion was on the agenda. The Minister of Justice postponed the decision about the family’s deportation after members of the Left-Green Movement requested discussions in the cabinet.

Approximately 300 people gathered outside, creating congestion for both traffic and the protesters. The atmosphere remained peaceful, with attendees singing and delivering speeches. However, limited space on the street posed challenges for movement.

Reports indicated that Mohsen Aburajab Tamimi, Yazan’s father, was asleep at home when the police arrived to take him. He described the police breaking down his door and taking him directly to the airport without allowing him to communicate with anyone, not even his lawyer or family.

Marín Þórsdóttir, the head of the national police’s return and escort department, assured journalists that discussions with medical professionals occur before individuals deemed fit for travel are escorted out of the country, emphasizing that this process was adhered to in Yazan’s case.

Political analysts expressed concern about the government coalition’s stability, pointing out that support for the governing parties is at a historical low ahead of upcoming elections. The ongoing discussions about Yazan’s situation underscore long-standing political divides, particularly between the Independence Party and the Left-Greens.

As ministers arrived for the meeting, they were met with ongoing protests, indicating the contentious nature of the discussions ahead. Protesters carried a banner referencing children’s rights, emphasizing the potential impact of government decisions on children. The Minister of Justice remarked that delaying the deportation was not standard administrative practice but acknowledged the exceptional circumstances that led to the current situation.