Defense lawyers argue for acquittal or leniency in Reykholt assault case

In the District Court of Southern Iceland, defense lawyers for brothers Pétur Már Mortensen Birgisson and Andri Már Mortensen Birgisson presented their arguments today, seeking acquittal or the most lenient sentences for their clients in the ongoing Reykholt case.

Sveinn Guðmundsson, representing Pétur, described his client as a young man who became involved late in the events and was called into a situation created by others. Guðmundsson asserted that Pétur was not present during the assault itself but attempted to assist the victim afterward by providing a place to sleep, painkillers, and water, and helping with wounds. He emphasized that Pétur's actions did not indicate willing participation but rather being trapped and fearing his brother, noting Pétur's diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder related to the case.

Þorgils Þorgilsson, Andri's lawyer, primarily requested the case be dismissed, or alternatively, for acquittal or the lightest possible sentence. Þorgilsson stated Andri's initial reason for going to Reykholt was to collect unpaid rent, but the situation escalated dramatically. He referenced Andri's own account of being attacked with a knife, leading to extreme fear and loss of control. Þorgilsson also pointed to Andri's struggles with severe anxiety disorder, suggesting that not all statements made by Andri on recordings should be taken as reliable testimony.

The defense also raised significant criticisms regarding the police investigation. Þorgilsson described the victim's account of the events as unstable and contradictory, highlighting discrepancies regarding the number of people present, whether the victim was restrained, and who inflicted the injuries. He further questioned the investigation into the victim's injuries, arguing that certain wounds, including lost teeth and fractures, were not conclusively linked to the assault as alleged in the indictment. Þorgilsson contended that the investigation largely ceased after finding recordings on Andri's phone, deeming it insufficient. Additionally, he noted a discrepancy in the victim's travel details, specifically a 14-hour layover in Paris, which contrasted with the victim's statement of spending only about two hours there.