News / 02.09.2009

UJF astonished by Smash-Asem verdict

The photographers were arrested along with protestors during a demonstration in Helsinki in September 2006 after police ordered demonstrators to clear the area. Suomen Kuvalehti has taken the matter to the European Court of Human Rights.

UJF chairperson Arto Nieminen expressed surprise at the rejection of the appeal. “This is the third such incomprehensible court decision on the same matter. This sets an important precedent that limits the medias work and thereby interferes with freedom of speech.”

Suomen Kuvalehti editor in chief Tapani Ruokanen told the Finnish daily Helsingin Sanomat that if the precedent remains in force “it will mean in practice that the authorities can as they see fit forbit the media from being present at demonstrations. The point is that readers, listeners and viewers won’t be able to know what is happening.”

The UJF is backing Suomen Kuvalehti’s petition to the European Court of Human Rights.


See also

All news

UJF president steps down

Antti Laakso, the chair of the Union Council, will serve as interim president of the UJF.

UJF membership fees to remain unchanged next year – freelance employee fees restructured

Freelance employees’ membership fees will undergo a restructuring from the start of next year. From 1 January 2025, the membership fee will be a fixed rate of €39 per month.

UJF prioritises key areas for 2025: collective bargaining agreements, freelance work, negotiation support, new copyright strategy

The UJF has set out its main advocacy priorities for the coming year, focusing on collective bargaining, discussions on working conditions for freelancers and support for union representatives and employees at Yle (the Finnish Broadcasting Company) during organisational changes.