Activists charged for protest aboard Hvalur whaling ships

Environmental activists Sahar Babaei and Elissa May Phillips have been formally charged for their protest aboard the whaling ships Hvalur 8 and Hvalur 9 in September 2023. The two women, protesting the operations of Hvalur hf., boarded the vessels without permission and refused to comply with police orders to vacate the premises.

The activists—previously reported under the names Anahita Sabaei and Elissa Biou—climbed aboard the ships in the early hours of Monday, September 4, and ascended into barrels mounted on the ships’ masts, where they remained for approximately 36 hours. The protest gained widespread public and media attention before ending following prolonged negotiations with police, who assisted the women down from the masts.

They were subsequently taken into police custody, and Hvalur hf. filed charges the same day. The ships departed on a whaling expedition shortly after the protesters were removed.

Facing burglary and maritime safety charges

According to the indictment, Anahita Sabaei, an Iranian national, and Elissa May Phillips, a British citizen, are charged with burglary and violations of the Maritime Safety Act. Under the Icelandic General Penal Code, burglary is punishable by up to six months in prison—or up to one year if the offense is deemed serious, such as involving force or weapons.

The indictment also cites violations of the Act on Access to Port Facilities, which prohibits boarding a vessel without the explicit consent of port authorities, the ship's captain, or the shipowner. This offense may be penalized with fines or imprisonment of up to two years if considered serious or if repeated.