Cops Want Law Against Stalking

The police believe a special article about stalking must be included in a new domestic violence bill from the Minister of the Interior.

RÚV reports that Minister of the Interior Ólöf Nordal contends there is no legislative need to change the law to include language about stalking. The police, however, do not agree.

Both the Society of Police Chiefs in Iceland and the Chief of the Suðurnes Police contend that a special article in the legislation that deals with stalking is crucial.

Ólafur Helgi Kjartansson, the Suðurnes police chief, wrote in a statement to parliament that it is a basic human right to not be stalked. As such, the police should be granted the authority to restrict the freedom of movement of those who engage in stalking.

The subject is one that has made Icelandic headlines before. In one notorious case, from the end of 2014, the former partner of an Icelandic woman was sentenced to 14 months in prison after repeatedly harassing, threatening and stalking her – despite there being a restraining order against him.