The criminal investigation into Parliament’s Secretary General Antti Pelttari is broader than previously known. Photo: Emmi Korhonen / Lehtikuva
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Finland’s Parliament has suspended Antti Pelttari from his role as Secretary General starting 1 July, following a criminal investigation into his time as head of the Finnish Security Intelligence Service (Supo).
The decision was made unanimously on Wednesday by Parliament’s Chancellery Commission. Pelttari is suspected of disclosing state secrets and committing official misconduct during his previous post. He denies wrongdoing but has stated he accepts the suspension.
The commission based its decision on a comprehensive assessment. A statement from Parliament said it considered legal safeguards for the official, the integrity of parliamentary operations, and expert opinions.
During the suspension, Pelttari will receive half of his salary. Mikael Koillinen, the current Deputy Secretary General, will assume the role.
The 10-member Chancellery Commission includes the Speaker, Deputy Speakers, and four MPs. Deputy Speaker Paula Risikko recused herself, citing family ties to Pelttari.
Jussi Halla-aho, Speaker of Parliament, said the decision was reached without political division. He noted Pelttari’s acceptance of a potential suspension helped ease the commission’s decision-making.
Public pressure and media attention were also factors. Halla-aho said the commission wished to proceed carefully due to the seriousness of the matter and the lack of clear precedent.
Legal scholar Olli Mäenpää, emeritus professor of administrative law, provided a key opinion last week. He advised that not suspending Pelttari would be problematic due to the seniority of his role and the gravity of the allegations.
The investigation centres on Pelttari’s alleged role in international intelligence cooperation and decisions involving surveillance methods under civilian intelligence laws.
Yle and Helsingin Sanomat have reported that during Pelttari’s tenure at Supo, intelligence techniques may have been used contrary to legal restrictions. Courts may also have been misled when granting permissions for surveillance operations.
The investigation is linked to a broader counterintelligence case involving retired officials. Authorities suspect that classified information was disclosed to Russian intelligence services, possibly following a data breach involving a retired official’s computer.
Parliament’s Chancellery Commission emphasised that it made no judgement on Pelttari’s guilt, focusing solely on whether the investigation affects his capacity to fulfil the duties of his current office.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
