Plans underway to pardon and deport Kourani immediately
The Syrian national Mohammed Kourani is being held at Litla-Hraun prison under strict security measures. mbl.is/Eggert Jóhannesson
Authorities are working to pardon Mohamad Th. Jóhannesson [formerly Mohamad Kourani] in the near future and deport him from Iceland as soon as possible. This would replace the earlier plan for him to serve half of his eight-year sentence in Iceland before being expelled.
The Pardon Committee is expected to review his case soon. If the plan goes ahead, he could be deported to Syria as early as next month.
Once the committee has processed the case, it will be sent to the Office of the President, where President Halla Tómasdóttir will sign the pardon.
Already has a Syrian passport
Kourani was sentenced to eight years in prison for attempted manslaughter and aggravated assault after stabbing two men inside an OK Market store.
As previously reported, Kourani has renounced his claim to international protection. Authorities have also decided to impose a 30-year ban on his return to Iceland.
According to sources who spoke to mbl.is , Kourani has already obtained a Syrian passport. However, his deportation still faces uncertainty, as under international law, Syrian authorities must agree to accept citizens who have previously been granted protection in another country.
Pardon request filed months ago
Stefán Karl Kristjánsson, Kourani’s attorney, confirmed that a request for pardon was submitted on his behalf several months ago.
Stefán Karl Kristjánsson is Kourani’s attorney. mbl.is/Karítas
