Environmental Activists Fined in Iceland Following Anti-Whaling Protest

Activists Convicted and Fined by Reykjavík District Court

The Reykjavík District Court has convicted two environmental activists, Sahar Babaei and Elissa May Phillips, for their involvement in an anti-whaling protest in September 2023. The women were each fined ISK 200,000 and ordered to cover their legal costs. The ruling, delivered on February 17, 2026, found them guilty of unlawful entry and failing to comply with police orders during their demonstration against commercial whaling in Iceland.

Details of the Protest Action

The protest took place in Reykjavík Harbour, where Babaei and Phillips boarded the whaling vessels Hvalur 8 and Hvalur 9. These ships are owned by Hvalur hf., Iceland's last remaining fin whaling company. The activists remained on board the vessels for more than 24 hours, with some reports indicating they stayed for up to 36 hours, climbing into the crow's nests. Their objective was to prevent the ships from resuming their hunt for fin whales, following the lifting of a temporary ban on whaling in Iceland.

Legal Proceedings and Court's Decision

The women were charged with burglary (unlawful entry) and for failing to obey police instructions to leave the ships. In court, Babaei and Phillips denied wrongdoing, asserting that their actions constituted a last resort and an exercise of their freedom of expression, referencing case law from the European Court of Human Rights. However, the Reykjavík District Court ruled that their conduct met the legal definition of burglary and that they had deliberately ignored police orders. The judgment highlighted that their actions prevented Hvalur hf. from being able to 'use its property'. While acknowledging the right to peaceful protest, the court maintained that freedom of expression can be restricted when it conflicts with the rights of others.

Reactions and Potential Appeal

Earlier in September 2025, prosecutors had dropped charges related to maritime safety violations against the activists, as these laws were deemed not applicable to whaling ships docked in the harbour. Following the recent conviction, the women's attorney, Katrín Oddsdóttir, stated that they are considering an appeal to a higher court. Oddsdóttir expressed her belief that the outcome was incorrect, suggesting a failure to properly assess the necessity of restricting their freedom of expression, especially since the protest reportedly caused no damage, as acknowledged by Kristján Loftsson, owner of Hvalur hf.