Man convicted of sexually harassing MP Karoliina Partanen

By admin On Jun 9, 2025

National Coalition Party MP Karoliina Partanen (right) and lawyer Ville Heikinheimo at the North Savo District Court in Kuopio on 9 June 2025. The court is hearing a case in which a man is accused of sexually harassing MP Karoliina Partanen. Photo: Matias Honkamaa / Str / Lehtikuva

A 43-year-old man has been found guilty of sexually harassing National Coalition Party MP Karoliina Partanen, according to a ruling issued by the North Savo District Court.

The case centred on a sexually explicit video and message the man sent to Partanen in April 2023. The two had no prior contact. During the trial, Partanen described feeling disturbed and alarmed after receiving the material.

“Even now, when I get messages from unknown senders, I worry that I’ll receive something similar,” she told the court.

The man was ordered to pay a €240 fine, €900 in damages to Partanen, and approximately €2,100 in legal fees. The court confirmed that the message qualified as sexual harassment under Finnish law.

Following the verdict, Partanen issued a statement noting that she had never met or communicated with the man before the incident.

Speaking to Yle after the trial, Partanen expressed concern about how Finland handles sexual crimes. While acknowledging that her case was relatively minor compared to others, she said it took more than two years to reach a verdict.

She also criticised what she sees as inconsistencies in sentencing. “A person can be convicted of rape and receive a similar sentence as someone who grows 100 cannabis plants,” Partanen said.

She called for a broader review of how Finnish courts approach offences that involve violations of personal autonomy and sexual self-determination.

The verdict adds to ongoing public discussion in Finland around the justice system’s treatment of sexual offences and how long victims must wait for decisions.

Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi