Charges Dropped Against One Of Accused In Hlíðar Rape Case

Prosecutors have declined to pursue charges against one of the accused in an infamous case of rape in the east Reykjavík neighbourhood of Hlíðar last year.

RÚV reports that the State Prosecutor’s office is still examining whether or not to file charges against the other suspect in the case. However, the charges against him were filed on much the same basis as the former suspect.

Vilhjálmur Hans Vilhjálmsson, the lawyer for the two, is also demanding that the newspaper Fréttablaðið – and media company 365, which owns Fréttablaðið – apologise for their coverage of the case and pay 20 million ISK in damages to his clients. These same clients have also filed for damages against their accusers. Fréttablaðið, for their part, say they stand by their reporting.

As reported, the two men were suspected of raping and torturing two women in an apartment in Hlíðar late last year. Soon after their arrest, they were released, and reportedly left the country.

Their presumed flight from Iceland sparked protests held in front of the capital area police station. However, prosecutors have concluded they lack the evidence to be able to pursue the case further.