Defamation and unlawful threatsThe Penal Code restricts freedom of speech by making defamation, gross defamation and unlawful threats punishable.
Defamation is considered to occur when someone is the object of untruthful information or insinuations that can cause damage, suffering or humiliation to that person, or otherwise be demeaning.However, criticism that focuses on a person’s actions in public activities and clearly does not exceed a level that can be considered acceptable criticism does not constitute defamation. A person can also be guilty of defamation by presenting untrue information or insinuations about a deceased person, thus causing suffering to people to whom the deceased was very close.
In legal practice, for example, use of the word ‘neekeri’ or ‘ryssä’ about a person is considered to fulfil the essential elements of a defamation offence.
In cases of defamation, the injured party must personally ask the police to investigate the matter.
An unlawful threat occurs if, for example, a person points a gun at another person or threatens another person with a crime such that the threatened person has just cause to fear that his/her own or another person’s safety or property is in serious danger.
An unlawful threat is also a complainant offence; in other words, the victim must personally contact the police.
 Back  Print this page |
