Overview
- Prosecutors withdrew the count linked to Räsänen’s radio debate remarks during Thursday’s Supreme Court hearing.
- They continued to seek convictions for incitement against a group based on a 2019 tweet and a 2004 pamphlet, along with fines and online removal of the materials.
- The court reserved judgment with a decision expected in the coming months, possibly by spring 2026, and its ruling will be final.
- Both the Helsinki District Court and the Court of Appeal unanimously acquitted Päivi Räsänen and Bishop Juhana Pohjola in 2022 and 2023, citing protected speech and religious freedom.
- The case tests Finland’s ‘agitation against a minority group’ law in the criminal code and has drawn international attention, including support for the defense from ADF International.