diff --git a/src/roster_window.py b/src/roster_window.py
index 89cf6c240..1bd218a53 100644
--- a/src/roster_window.py
+++ b/src/roster_window.py
@@ -1654,8 +1654,12 @@ class RosterWindow:
         if type2 == 'self_contact':
             return 1
         if type1 == 'group':
-            name1 = model[iter1][C_JID].decode('utf-8')
-            name2 = model[iter2][C_JID].decode('utf-8')
+            name1 = model[iter1][C_JID]
+            if name1:
+                name1 = name1.decode('utf-8')
+            name2 = model[iter2][C_JID]
+            if name2:
+                name2 = name2.decode('utf-8')
             if name1 == _('Transports'):
                 return 1
             if name2 == _('Transports'):