More than a thousand Namibian fisheries workers are submitting formal claims to Icelandic courts, seeking recognition as victims in the long-running Fishrot saga.
Transparency International is providing support for the claimants in what is described as a landmark legal effort that could influence how victims of corruption are recognised and included in judicial proceedings.
The Namibian former-fish workers are arguing they suffered direct harm resulting from the Fishrot scandal that was first reported in 2019, and which accused Icelandic company Samherji of bribing officials in Angola and Namibia in exchange for fishing quota rights. Samherji has consistently denied wrongdoing.
‘The Fishrot scandal caused severe harm to workers and communities in Namibia. By supporting these claims in Iceland, we are making the human cost of corruption impossible to ignore,’ said Transparency International Legal and Advocacy Advisor Alison Matthews.
‘We’re also helping ensure these workers – the people on the ground who lost their livelihoods and more – have their day in court and the opportunity to seek remedies, including formal acknowledgement of the harm they suffered and financial compensation.’
Namibian fishermen and other fish workers reportedly lost their jobs following the scandal. The workers also allege that their loss of employment led to a range of additional harms such as food and housing insecurity, psychological stress, inability to pay school fees and debt accumulation. Their claims highlight how corruption-related crimes can extend beyond financial loss, with direct social and human consequences for affected communities.
If accepted, the claims would represent a groundbreaking development by allowing foreign victims of alleged corruption to become formally involved in criminal proceedings in Iceland, which could also set a precedent for similar cases beyond Iceland.
‘At the heart of the claims is a far-reaching question: Are workers who lose their jobs as a direct result of corruption recognised as victims under Icelandic law?’ a Transparency International representative said, stating that they are seeking formal recognition of affected Namibian fisheries workers as victims of corruption and acceptance of their claims, in line with Iceland’s obligations under Article 35 of the UN Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), should Icelandic authorities commence such proceedings.
