Ísidór Nathansson and Sindri Snær Birgisson will not be charged with planning a terrorist act, the District Court of Reykjavík ruled today. The two were among four Icelandic men arrested last September for terrorist plots against state institutions and civilians in Iceland. The suspects’ potential targets included police, politicians, and union leaders. According to police, the suspects had hoarded numerous weapons, including dozens of semi-automatic guns and 3D-printed components, alongside ammunition.
Unclear wording in indictment
Both of the defendants’ lawyers asked for the offences related to the preparation of terrorist acts to be dismissed due to unclear wording in the indictment. The prosecutor has yet to decide whether to appeal the case to Landsréttur Court of Appeals.
Both Ísidór and Sindri Snær pleaded not guilty to the terrorism charges filed against them when the case was registered in January. They both pleaded guilty, however, to some breaches of legislation on weapons, while pleading not guilty to others. Ísidór pleaded guilty to breaking drug laws by being in possession of illegal substances and steroids.
Charges that could lead to life imprisonment
Sindri Snær was accused of attempted terrorism and large-scale violations of weapons legislation. Ísidór was accused of complicity in attempted terrorism and large-scale violations of weapons legislation. They were accused of violating Article 100 of the Penal Code, according to which they could be sentenced to life imprisonment if found guilty.
