One of those charged received citizenship after protests

Kastriot Pepaj, an Icelandic citizen of Albanian origin, is currently in pre-trial detention as part of an investigation into alleged smuggling of amphetamine base via the cargo ship Dettifossi. Pepaj, in his fifties, is one of four individuals held in custody. The case also involves two ship crew members in their thirties and another man in his forties. Charges were reportedly issued in the case on July 6, though they have not yet been formally presented to the defendants.

Pepaj's path to Icelandic citizenship is notable. He and his family were granted citizenship in 2015 following significant public attention and intervention from the Icelandic Parliament (Alþingi). This occurred after the Directorate of Immigration had initially decided to deport the family. The decision was reversed after widespread public discussion and protests, including demonstrations held at Austurvöllur square.

In previous interviews, Pepaj stated that his family fled their homeland due to fear of retaliation from criminal gangs. He also claimed they sought refuge in Iceland to ensure their young son received necessary medical treatment for a serious heart condition. The family's plight garnered significant media attention, particularly when police arrived at their residence late at night to carry out the deportation. A photograph of the then three-year-old son, holding a teddy bear at the doorway, became a symbol of the case.

After the family was temporarily moved out of the country, their case was reviewed, and they were subsequently granted residency permits and later, Icelandic citizenship. At that time, Pepaj publicly thanked the Icelandic people for their support during their ordeal. The current charges mark a stark contrast to his previous public image as a refugee who found sanctuary and support in Iceland.

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Í viðtölum sagði hann að fjölskyldan hefði flúið heimaland sitt vegna ótta við hefndir glæpamengis.