Police: Hakkarainen’s Foreigner Comments Not a Crime
Comments about foreigners made by newly-elected True Finn MP Teuvo Hakkarainen in a video interview with the newspaper Helsingin Sanomat do not constitute a crime, according to Helsinki police. The police have notified the Prosecutor General’s office that they will not conduct a preliminary investigation into the matter.
Ombudsman for Minorities, Eva Biaudet, had requested an investigation into whether Hakkarainen had crossed the boundaries of what is acceptable freedom of expression.
Hakkarainen had used the Finnish word neekeri, which is considered offensive by many black people, and said that minarets would arise all over Helsinki and that people’s sleep would be disturbed by the Muslim call to prayer, which he then mockingly imitated.
The police found that his comments constituted a criticism of current immigration policy and a demand to change it, but did not reach the level of hate speech.
“The police believe that the matter is not criminal, or if it is that it is so trivial that the prosecutor should not bring charges, “ said investigating officer Jouni Niskanen of Helsinki police.
Latest in: News
Jolla to sell new phone this year
A mobile firm founded by former Nokia employees is set to put a new smartphone on sale by the end of the year. The company, Jolla, was set up to continue working on an open source Linux-based smartphone when Nokia announced it was switching to the Windows Phone operating system.
Decline in church membership will cost jobs
In order to cope with decreasing membership, the Evangelical Lutheran Church will be forced to reduce its staff significantly in coming years. Many congregations are facing dire financial circumstances due to the reduction in the tax revenue that flows as a result of membership.
Finns Party women: Party is neither racist nor chauvinist
Both male and female representatives of the Finns Party claim that both their party and its leader are in favour of gender equality.
Vantaa bus drivers’ strike continues
Bus engines at the Veolia depot in Vantaa have been quiet for nearly one week, as bus drivers continue their work stoppage on Monday.
Rooftop blaze in Helsinki's Punavuori
A fire on Kankurinkatu in central Helsinki's Punavuori district attracted more than a dozen emergency rescue units. Residents were evacuated due to the rooftop blaze, which broke out around 5:00 am Monday.
The U.S. snatches bronze from Finland
Finland’s men’s ice hockey team lost the World Championship bronze match to the U.S. in a thriller that went into overtime and a shootout.
Son drowns, father missing after fishing trip
A son and father went fishing on Näsijärvi Lake in the Pirkanmaa region on Friday. The son was later found drowned, while the father is still missing.
Finland to toughen rape legislation
At present, Finnish legislation on rape is more lenient than in neighbouring countries such as Sweden and Norway.
Gaming industry draws foreign talent to Helsinki region
Turning to the electronic gaming industry, more and more foreign companies are interested in setting up branch offices in Helsinki. Finnish firms also employ many foreigners, with about one-third of workers at major gaming companies from abroad.
Unknown soldiers laid to rest on Memorial Day
As this is also Whit Sunday or Pentecost, many shops are closed.
Discuss this topic
0 comments
Kiitos! Kommenttisi on lähetetty Yle Uutisten toimitukseen. Julkaisemme kommentteja klo 07-23 välisenä aikana.
Yle Uutisten toimitus lukee kommentit ennen julkaisua. Asiattomia ja hyvien tapojen vastaisia kommentteja ei julkaista. Pitkiä kirjoituksia voidaan lyhentää, muuten kommentit julkaistaan sellaisenaan.
Thank you. Your report has been sent to Yle News. We review the reports between 9 AM and 5 PM.
Yle News will review the comment you reported and will delete it if necessary.