News / 08.04.2016

Hate speech against journalist to be investigated

The Prosecutor General, Matti Nissinen, has ruled that there must be an investigation into the case of defamation and unlawful threats against a journalist.

In November last year, the journalist reported on a rape case that took place in Kempele, and questioned the disclosure by the police of the suspect’s ethnic background.

The journalist was then subject to a deluge of abuse and threats, which she reported to the police. However, acting on police claims that the case lacked sufficient substance, the district prosecutor halted further investigation.

With the help of the UJF, the journalist made a formal complaint on the stance of the police and district prosecutor, which Nissinen has now upheld.

The move was has been welcomed by UJF President Hanne Aho, who said: “What’s most important is that finally a position has been taken in Finland that says such things are wrong. The work of journalists is socially important. They must be allowed to work in peace.”


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