Holocaust Memorial, Berlin, Germany. Photo: Elias Rovielo via Flickr
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The Finnish government has submitted a legislative proposal to criminalise Holocaust denial and the public denial of other recognised international crimes, with penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment.
The proposal, submitted to Parliament on Thursday, introduces a specific provision in the criminal code that would make it an offence to deny the Holocaust. If passed, the law is expected to take effect during the autumn legislative session.
The move aligns Finland’s legal framework with the European Union’s 2008 framework decision on combating racism and xenophobia. That decision requires all EU member states to criminalise the public condoning, denial, or gross trivialisation of genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes as recognised by international courts.
According to the bill, denial of the Holocaust or other serious international crimes, such as those defined under the statutes of the International Criminal Court, would be punishable by a fine or a prison sentence of up to two years.
The proposed law marks a shift in Finnish legal standards on hate speech and the denial of historical atrocities. While Finland already prohibits incitement to hatred, it has not until now included a specific ban on Holocaust denial.
The government said the legislation is aimed at strengthening protections against antisemitism and other forms of hate speech, as well as upholding Finland’s obligations under international and European law.
If adopted, the new provision would bring Finland into line with countries such as Germany, Austria, and France, which already have similar legislation in place.
The legislative package is expected to proceed through Parliament over the summer, with final approval likely before the end of the year.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
