Supreme Court lawyer Brynjar Níelsson commented that the new underground movement Big Sister, which fights prostitution in Iceland, is “no different than other political extremist associations.”
The Supreme Court of Iceland. Photo by Páll Kjartansson.
The movement’s members handed over a list to the police with names of men on Tuesday, who they say tried to purchase the service of prostitutes, ruv.is reports.
Níelsson was a guest on national broadcaster RÚV’s radio program Morgunútvarpid on Rás 2 this morning, along with Steinunn Gydu- og Gudjónsdóttir, project manager at Stígamót, the Education and Counseling Center for Survivors of Sexual Abuse and Violence.
Gydu- og Gudjónsdóttir said she supports the initiative. “I find it pleasing that such a large group is fighting the purchase of prostitution. We have had laws in place for two years now that prohibit the purchase of prostitution but little has been done to make sure they are complied with.”
“There were a few verdicts connected with one case but not much has happened since,” she added. “Meanwhile the police have told the media that they are struggling with lack of manpower and funds to [make sure the laws are complied with] properly.”
Níelsson said all extremism provokes debate. “People are being threatened. They are being lured into committing crimes, for which there are much stricter punishments than in the purchasing of prostitution,” he pointed out.
Big Sister’s members revealed on Tuesday that they had published fake ads for prostitution, taped conversations and tricked men into going to certain places.
“In my mind it is no different from usual extremism which has always thrived […]: wearing cloaks, disguising oneself, threatening people. I don’t find it pleasing to observe,” Níelsson concluded.
Click here to read more about Big Sister’s actions.
ESA
