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Finland: Christian politician says second 'hate speech' trial is ‘modern-day inquisition’

Finland: Christian politician says second 'hate speech' trial is ‘modern-day inquisition’
Dr Päivi Räsänen
ET staff writer
ET staff writer
27 July, 2023 1 min read

A Christian politician in Finland says she is being subjected to a ‘modern-day inquisition’ as she faces a second ‘hate speech’ trial for sharing her biblical beliefs about sexual ethics.

Former government minister Dr Päivi Räsänen has been charged with three so-called hate crimes for voicing her opinion in a 2019 tweet, during a 2019 radio debate, and via a 2004 pamphlet.

Back in 2022, the Helsinki District Court dismissed all charges against Dr Räsänen, stating that it could find no justification to censor her exercise of free speech.

However, following an appeal by the prosecution, she has been summoned to attend a new trial starting 22 August.

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