Ester Mbathera
The Icelandic artist Oddur Eysteinn Friðriksson, known as ODEE, has condemned the actions of his country’s fishing giant, Samherji, in Namibia.
In a video shared with the Windhoek Observer on Monday, ODEE criticised the company’s practices of bribery and corruption, stating that they have strained Namibia-Iceland relations.
He called for transparency and ethical behaviour from Samherji.
“It is time for them to take full responsibility for their actions and work towards making things right. I also urge the international community to stand with Namibia in the fight against exploitation,” he said.
ODEE expressed empathy and solidarity with those affected, urging Samherji to issue an apology, take responsibility, and offer restitution.
“It is painfully obvious to everyone, except for Samherji themselves, that an apology is needed. An apology along with an offer of restitution, taking responsibility, and promising cooperation with the authorities. This is what the Namibian people rightfully deserve,” he said.
Samherji is currently suing ODEE for creating the artwork “We’re SORRY,” which serves as an apology for the company’s alleged role in the Fishrot scandal.
He explained that We’re SORRY is more than just an artwork, describing it as a conceptual and performative piece that highlights the need for an apology.
“Through this artwork, I aim to provide a platform for Icelanders and others to express their support for Namibia’s plea for justice. Most Icelanders believe, as you do, that Samherji has acted wrongly, but until now, we have lacked a way to communicate this effectively,” he said.
ODEE has also painted the words “We’re SORRY” on a wall at Iceland’s Reykjavík Art Museum.
Andra Matei, a free-speech lawyer based in Paris with the legal service NGO Avant-Garde Lawyers, is representing him in his free-speech case against Samherji.
Last week, the Association of Icelandic Artists also condemned Samherji’s actions against ODEE.
“It is a serious matter when a large-scale international corporate firm uses its power and financial superiority to define and limit the freedom of expression by suing an art student in a foreign court where the student has even fewer means and options to defend himself,” said the association.
In 2021, Samherji’s chief executive officer, Thorsteinn Már Baldvinsson, offered an apology to Namibians, asserting that the company did not commit any criminal offences in Namibia.
“It is my and Samherji’s firm position that no criminal offences were committed in Namibia by companies on our behalf or their employees, apart from the conduct that the former managing director has directly confessed to and acknowledged. Nonetheless, as Samherji’s top executive, I am responsible for allowing the business practices in Namibia to take place. It has upset our staff, friends, families, business partners, customers, and others in our community. I am very sorry that this happened, and I sincerely apologise to all those involved, both personally and on behalf of the company. Now it’s important to ensure that nothing like this happens again. We will certainly strive for that,” said Baldvinsson.
