Good News: Päivi Räsänen Found Not Guilty of 'Hate Speech' for Quoting the Bible
The Finnish appeal court has unanimously upheld the 2022 acquittal and dismissed all charges against Finnish MP Päivi Räsänen and Bishop Juhana Pohjola who had been on trial for having publicly expressed their Christian beliefs. The ruling is considered to be a victory for freedom of religion and expression.
On 14 November, the Helsinki Court of Appeal unanimously upheld the acquittal of 2022, finding that it had "no reason, on the basis of the evidence received at the main hearing, to assess the case differently from the district court. Therefore, there is no reason to disturb the final result of the district court's judgment." In 2022, the district court had ruled that it is not the court's job "to interpret biblical concepts". The State Prosecutor had, however, contested the judgement.
The charges against Finnish Lutheran bishop Juhana Pohjola were also dismissed by the appeals court. Bp Pohjola had also been on trial for hate speech for publishing a text written by Räsänen in 2004 titled "Male and Female he created them" that advocated a biblical understanding of sexuality and marriage.
“I am deeply relieved. The court has fully endorsed and upheld the decision of the district court, which recognized everyone’s right to free speech,” said Päivi Räsänen after her victory quoted by ADF International.
Previous updates on this case:
- Finnish Politician Investigated for Hate Crime for Sharing Bible Verse
- Second investigation: Finnish Christian MP investigated for 2004 pamphlet on homosexuality
- MP Interviewed by Police for Questioning Church Leadership
- Finnish Bishop-Elect Charged for 'Hate Speech' for Editorship of Booklet on Homosexuality in 2004
- Accused Finish MP Päivi Räsänen Concerned over Religious Freedom of Christians in Europe
- Update: Former Finnish MP Faces Trial for Quoting the Bible
- Update: Finnish Court Upholds Free Speech in Major Trial
- Finnish Prosecutors Appealed Päivi Räsänen Case
- UPDATE: Päivi Räsänen Stands Trial Again For Sharing her Christian Worldview
Source: ADF International; InfoCatolica
Photo: ADF International