Assault in Reykjavik, Iceland as reported by malkusry in Instagram

[Stacy S.]

The Icelandic rainbow organisation Samtökin '78 organised a conference for Nordic rainbow organisations in cooperation with the Icelandic government during this week. The Nordic LGBTI Conference took place in Reykjavik on 25-26 September 2023 and invited representatives of rainbow organisations and equality ministers from different Nordic countries. The conference discussed current issues of concern to LGBTQIA+ community. Hanna Kuparinen, Vice President of Malkus, attended the conference as part of the Finnish delegation.

The conference came to a shocking end when the president of the Swedish trans organisation FPES was assaulted in the center of Reykjavik on his way back to the hotel from the conference closing dinner. The victim was wearing a rainbow lanyard. The victim suffered serious injuries and is currently hospitalised. Three people have been arrested and are suspected of the attack. Police are investigating the incident as a hate crime.

Although Iceland ranks high in the Nordic comparison of LGBTQIA+ rights, the events of
this week show that the rights and safety of LGBTQIA+ people are under threat in all Nordic countries. During the conference, some delegates attending the event faced verbal harassment on the street in central Reykjavik. Nordic policy makers and public organisations should tackle all forms of discrimination, harassment and hate crimes against the queer community.

Malkus expresses support for the FPES representative who was the victim of violence. We send him our warmest regards and wish him a speedy recovery. ❤️

[VickySGV]

This is another Pandemic for which no vaccine has been developed and which is spreading.   

[awkward-yet-sweet]

@VickySGV Yeah, it seems to be everywhere.  Not surprised that a rainbow lanyard was enough "cause" for an assault.  My assault last year was likely influenced by me wearing a rainbow-colored belt.  One doesn't dare wear anything like that, or have bumper stickers on your car these days.