Iceland

Iceland regularly reports hate crime data to ODIHR. Iceland's Criminal Code contains a substantive offence provision. Iceland's data, collected by the National Police Commissioner, include cases of discrimination and defamation.

How hate crime data is collected in Iceland

How hate crime data is collected in Iceland

There is no systematic collection of hate crime statistics in Iceland across the criminal justice system. Reported criminal offences are registered in a central police database (LÖKE). While hate speech is specifically covered by law, hate crime is only covered by a general provision of the criminal code that relates to the motive of the perpetrator.

"Possible Hate Crimes" are registered in the police database as an addition to the registered offence based on the existence of a potential bias motive. The type of motive is also registered. Motives available for registration include: "sexual orientation", "gender identity", "religion (other)", "religion (anti-Semitism)", "religion (anti-Christian)", "religion (anti-Muslim)", "racist - xenophobic bias" and "other".

Hate crimes are not recorded by prosecutors or the judiciary, only hate speech.

The National Commissioner of Police conducts victimization surveys; the 2021 survey included questions about possible bias motivation. The results of the 2021 survey have not yet been published.

Access more information at the Legislation Online website Legislationline TANDIS Access more information at the Tolerance and Non-Discrimination Information System (TANDIS) website

OFFICIAL DATA

Year Hate crimes recorded by police Prosecuted Sentenced
2020 4 0 0
2019 11 0 0
2018 7 1 2
2017 14 1 3
2016 6 0 0
2015 10 Not available Not available
2014 8 Not available Not available
2013 Not available Not available Not available
2012 6 Not available Not available
2011 1 Not available Not available
2010 2 Not available Not available
2009 Not available 0 0

About 2020 Data

    In addition, one case of hate speech was reported by the prosecution. This incident is not included here as hate speech falls outside of the OSCE's definition of a hate crime.

INCIDENTS REPORTED BY OTHER SOURCES

Anti-Christian hate crime

Date Type of incident Source Description
2020-10 Attacks against property
OIDAC
 Show info

INTERNATIONAL REPORTS

No information is available.

KEY OBSERVATION

ODIHR recognizes Iceland's efforts in conducting a victimization survey addressing hate crime. However, based on the available information, it observes that Iceland’s hate crime recording and statistics do not sufficiently distinguish hate crimes from other crimes. In addition, ODIHR observes that Iceland would benefit from ensuring that hate crimes are addressed in a comprehensive manner, including by introducing a coordination mechanism.

ODIHR recalls that in the Ministerial Council Decision 9/09, participating States have agreed to a definition of hate crime shared by all OSCE participating States. They have also committed to collecting reliable data and statistics on hate crimes. To that end, hate crimes need to be distinguished throughout the recording and data collection process from hate speech crimes. In the Ministerial Council Decisions 9/09 and 13/06, participating States have also committed to ensuring a comprehensive approach to hate crimes. To that end, the authorities and civil society need to collaborate and coordinate. ODIHR stands ready to support Iceland in meeting its relevant commitments through the provision of comprehensive resources and tailored assistance in the area of hate crime recording and data collection, as well as providing further resources and tailored assistance.

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