Court Fines Women After Anti-Whaling Protest

2026-02-17 - 09:17

Two environmental activists have been convicted by Reykjavík District Court after boarding whaling vessels in Reykjavík Harbour in September 2023. As reported by RÚV, Sahar Babaei and Elissa May Phillips entered the ships Hvalur 8 and Hvalur 9 without authorisation and remained on board for more than 24 hours, climbing into the crow’s nest before being removed by police. What's the Story? Conviction at Reykjavík District Court of Sahar Babaei and Elissa May Phillips for boarding Hvalur 8 and Hvalur 9 in September 2023 Charges of burglary and failure to comply with police orders after remaining on board for over 24 hours Fine of ISK 200,000 each, plus legal costs, following protest against whaling Whaling in Iceland. Photo: Páll Stefánsson. Court Imposes Fines The protest was aimed at opposing commercial whaling. They were charged with burglary and with failing to comply with police orders to leave. In court, the women denied wrongdoing, stating that their actions were a last resort and constituted an exercise of freedom of expression. They referred to case law from the European Court of Human Rights in support of their position. In its ruling, the court found that their conduct met the legal definition of burglary and that they had deliberately ignored police instructions. The judgment states that their actions prevented the vessel owner, Hvalur hf., from being able to “use its property”. While acknowledging the right to peaceful protest, the court held that freedom of expression can be restricted where it conflicts with the rights of others. Each woman was fined ISK 200,000 and ordered to cover her legal costs.