Man Awaiting Asylum Decision Wounded Himself

A refugee from Syria, who recently arrived in Iceland, wounded himself with a knife on Tuesday.

When police arrived at the bloody scene, they called for special forces backup, and subsequently made several arrests. According to DV, the arrests were made due to “linguistic problems”, before the police realised that the man had injured himself.

Interviewed by DV, Björn Teitsson, the Icelandic Red Cross’ public relations manager, said that the incident indicates the pressure under which asylum applicants in Iceland live.

All those arrested were subsequently released. The Red Cross emphasises that the man receive proper medial aid. The Red Cross also provided residents at the place with post-traumatic support.

The man’s application for asylum in Iceland is currently being processed at the Directorate of Immigration.