State Cleared in Skuggasund Protest Case; No Compensation for Claimants

The Icelandic state has been cleared of wrongdoing in a case brought by nine individuals who claimed police used excessive force against them during a protest. The Court of Appeal upheld the district court's decision, ruling that the protesters are not entitled to compensation for alleged mistreatment.

The protest took place in May 2024 near Skuggasund, where a government meeting was being held. Police deployed pepper spray against some demonstrators, including those who lay down in the street to block ministerial cars. The protesters sought 800,000 Icelandic krónur each in damages.

The Court of Appeal noted that while individuals have the constitutional right to peaceful assembly, the police have a duty to protect government officials and their work. Police are authorized to direct people to move or remove them as needed. The court acknowledged that one protester repeatedly lay down in the street after being removed, attempting to block cars again.

While the court did not consider the protest itself to be violent, it found that the police's actions, including warnings before using pepper spray, were justified given the circumstances. The ruling means the state will not have to pay any compensation to the nine plaintiffs.