Finland
-
Northern Europe
“Räsänen trial is a sign of the times we live in”
The first hearing day of the appeal against Päivi Räsänen yields no surprises. Still, it is a painful day for the politician accused of hate speech against homosexuals. One thing stands out during the first day of court: the discussions between the prosecution and the defence are more pungent than…
-
Northern Europe
New Finnish government chooses for Christian values
Family values are central for the new Finnish government. In the coalition talks, the Christian Democrats have had a significant impact on medical and ethical issues. It will be the “most right-wing government since World War II”, said the Finnish public broadcaster Yle on Tuesday. Although with four parties from…
-
Northern Europe
Räsänen seat shaky in Finnish elections
It is a stressful parliamentary election for Finnish Christian Democrat Päivi Räsänen. She might not be elected for the first time in 28 years. “Whatever may happen, it is in God's hands,” she says. Räsänen just came back from skiing. An election campaign is a busy time. After an intensive…
-
Northern Europe
Documentary on Päivi Räsänen case set for next-year release
A documentary on the prosecution and trial of Finnish politician, Päivi Räsänen, is currently in production. Entitled “Free Speech Crime,” the film is a visual journey into the legal battle involving the former chairwoman of the Christian Democratic Party. For the last few years, the Räsänen case has caught the…