- Päivi Räsänen, longstanding Finnish parliamentarian, has faced over six years of criminal prosecution for sharing her faith-based beliefs on marriage and sexuality, including on X (formerly Twitter)
- Register here for a press conference hosted by ADF International tomorrow at 9:00 am ET (14:00pm CET)
HELSINKI (25 March 2026) – The Finnish Supreme Court is expected to issue its ruling tomorrow in the case of Finnish Member of Parliament Päivi Räsänen and Bishop Juhana Pohjola, who have been criminally charged with “hate speech” for publicly expressing their Christian beliefs. The case, which has lasted over six years, will determine whether the earlier unanimous acquittals by lower courts will stand and is expected to have significant implications for freedom of expression in Finland and beyond.
Räsänen, who is a medical doctor, Finland’s former Interior Minister, and a parliamentarian since 1995, was formally charged with “agitation against a minority group” in 2021. She was charged under a section of the Finnish criminal code titled “war crimes and crimes against humanity” for sharing her Christian beliefs on marriage and sexual ethics in a 2019 tweet, as well as a 2019 live radio debate and 2004 church pamphlet. Bishop Pohjola was charged for publishing Räsänen’s 2004 pamphlet.
“Tomorrow’s decision will be pivotal for free speech in Finland and across Europe. At stake is the fundamental right of every individual to express deeply held beliefs without fear of criminal sanction. We are hopeful that the Court will uphold the rule of law and confirm that peaceful expression, including the sharing of religious views, remains protected in a free and democratic society.”
ADF International will host a press conference on 26 March at 9:00am ET (14:00pm CET) after the ruling is announced. Päivi Räsänen, Matti Sankamo (local lawyer, tbc) and Paul Coleman will be available for questions following their statements.
The high-profile trials received significant global attention, particularly after the prosecution attacked core Christian teachings and cross-examined Räsänen and the Bishop on their theology in the lower court hearings. The case culminated in a trial before the Supreme Court of Finland in October 2025. The court is set to announce its ruling on 26 March.
Coordinated by ADF International, the defence has argued that the case raises serious concerns for freedom of speech, emphasising that the expression of religious beliefs, including those drawn from the Bible, must remain protected in a democratic society. The outcome is expected to set an important precedent for the protection of free expression across Europe.
