In a report published today Ombudsman of Alþingi Tryggvi Gunnarsson has concluded that former Minister of the Interior Hanna Birna Kristjánsdóttir’s communication with former Chief of Police in Reykjavík Stefán Eiríksson during the investigation of her ministry in connection with the leak of a confidential document to the media in November 2013 had not been in accordance with rules that ministers must abide by in order to ensure an independent and objective police, visir.is reports.
The ombudsman concluded that Hanna Birna had made suggestions and criticized the investigation, thereby overstepping the boundaries of her position. In a letter to the ombudsman, published today, Hanna Birna acknowledges that it was a mistake to have contact with Stefán during the investigation.
The Alþingi’s Constitutional and Supervisory Committee held a meeting this morning to discuss the Ombudsman’s report.
Hanna Birna requested to be released from her duties as minister in late November. She is however expected to return to parliament soon. Stefán stepped down as Chief of Police last summer.
