Jasmina Vajzovic criticizes Ölfus Mayor over remarks on Muslims

Jasmina Vajzovic, a former deputy municipal councilor and Bosnian Muslim, has publicly challenged comments made by Elliði Vignisson, the Mayor of Ölfus, regarding immigrants and Muslims. Vignisson had posted on Facebook suggesting that an unrestricted flow of immigrants, particularly Muslims, causes harm.

Vajzovic responded by questioning what specific harm her family or community has caused Iceland, noting her active role in Icelandic democracy as a former official, manager, and community organizer. She argued that the term ‘Muslims’ generalizes diverse individuals and called for criticism to be directed at specific behaviors or policies rather than entire religious groups.

Vignisson later clarified that his criticisms were aimed at immigration policies and religious practices that he believes conflict with equality and freedom, though Vajzovic has requested more specific data and reasoning to support these claims. Following the exchange, Vajzovic reported receiving numerous abusive comments on social media, which she stated illustrates why many minority groups feel unsafe participating in public discourse.