From Iceland — Environmental Watchdog Site Hacked

Environmental Watchdog Site Hacked

Published November 22, 2011

The website of a local environmental watchdog group was hacked after they posted the results of their first meeting, in which they criticised the proposed expansion of the industrial area of Grundartangi.
While the website is back up, Ragnheiður Þorgrímsdóttir, the chairperson of the Hvalfjörður Environmental Watch, said that the site was down for some time, but was quickly restored. She said that she has no suspects in the matter, as the hackers in question left no traces.
The attack happened shortly after the group held their first meeting, wherein they questioned the proposed expansion of the industrial area of Grundartagi. In particular, their concern is that such an expansion may do damage to drinking water tables. They have called upon the Ministry for the Environment to investigate the matter further.
Ragnheiður has criticised what she has seen as a lack of initiative on the part of the ministry in the past. When it was revealed that the steel company Becromal was releasing water with higher levels of toxins than was allowed into the sea, the ministry responded at the time that they did not have the resources to supervise every corner of the country. “What then is the government for?,” Ragnheiður asked at the time, if not to ensure the health and safety of its citizens.

Support The Reykjavík Grapevine!
Buy subscriptions, t-shirts and more from our shop right here!

Show Me More!