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Finland: Politician fined for criticizing Islam

Dec 3, 2016 11:05 am By Robert Spencer

“Kiemunki requested a police investigation to quell claims that a blog post she wrote claiming that all Muslims are terrorists was racist. However police pressed charges and a Tampere court found her guilty of the offence.”

But she doesn’t seem to have actually claimed that all Muslims were terrorists, but only to have criticized Islam: “The court found her guilty of slandering and insulting adherents of the Islamic faith. Her lawyers denied the charge and have appealed the court’s decision. During the trial, Kiemunki was asked why she did not make a distinction between Islam and radical Islam. She replied that she meant to refer to the spread of Islamic culture and religion, and that she ‘probably should have’ spoken of radicalised elements of the religion instead of the faith as a whole….The Finns party politician added that her essay did not generalise about Muslims but pointed out that not all Muslims are terrorists.”

Apparently it is now a criminal act in Finland to hold any negative opinion about the Islamic belief system. And so the darkness continues to descend upon Europe.

terhi-kiemunki

“Finns Party politician convicted of incitement, will appeal verdict,” YLE, December 1, 2016 (thanks to The Religion of Peace):

Finns Party politician Terhi Kiemunki has been found guilty of agitation against an ethnic group and sentenced to pay a 450-euro fine. Kiemunki requested a police investigation to quell claims that a blog post she wrote claiming that all Muslims are terrorists was racist. However police pressed charges and a Tampere court found her guilty of the offence.

On Thursday, the Pirkanmaa District Court found Tampere Finns Party politician Terhi Kiemunki of agitation against an ethnic group. Kiemunki was charged with the crime over a blog post in the online publication Uusi Suomi, in which she claimed that all of the terrorists in Europe are Muslims.

The court found her guilty of slandering and insulting adherents of the Islamic faith. Her lawyers denied the charge and have appealed the court’s decision.

During the trial, Kiemunki was asked why she did not make a distinction between Islam and radical Islam. She replied that she meant to refer to the spread of Islamic culture and religion, and that she “probably should have” spoken of radicalised elements of the religion instead of the faith as a whole.

The Court found that Kiemunki’s writings and her court testimony had the same tone, and that when she wrote of a “repressive, intolerant and violent religion and culture” Kiemunki meant the Islamic faith. As a result the court concluded that the nature of the Tampere Finns Party politician’s blog generalised to refer to all Muslims.

It went on to say that the content of Kiemunki’s post was defamatory and offensive to people who claimed Islam as their faith. The court ruling concluded that the writings could therefore be regarded as liable to cause contempt and hatred towards Muslims.

The court slapped Kiemunki with a 30-day fine equivalent to 450 euros. According to the court what was more relevant than the magnitude of possible fallout from the blog post, was that the act was seen to fulfill the criteria for a punishable offence.

The case was also seen as test of what kind of language can be used before crossing the threshold of what is permissible.

Following a public backlash against the post, Kiemunki herself had called on police to investigate the case and to determine whether or not she had committed an offence. At the time, she also raised eyebrows – and temperatures – following a Facebook post in which she derided Muslim children who were participating in a Finnish Easter tradition.

Following the sentencing, Kiemunki issued a release in which she charged that public pressure was behind the verdict. She said that she planned to take the matter to the appeal court.

“I am still of the view that declaring statistical facts or even sharing an opinion is not a crime if someone doesn’t like it,” she wrote.

She said that the Uusi Suomi blog wasn’t consciously intended to slander or offend anyone and that it did not target any specific individuals.

“I wrote that I don’t want our country to be overtaken by a culture and law based on a violent, intolerant and oppressive religion.”

The Finns party politician added that her essay did not generalise about Muslims but pointed out that not all Muslims are terrorists.

“In these times, specifically in the recent past and today, all of the perpetrators of terrorist acts have turned out to be Muslim,” she argued….

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Filed Under: "Islamophobia", claiming victim status, Featured, Finland, free speech Tagged With: Terhi Kiemunki


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Comments

  1. Samer Ibrahim says

    Dec 3, 2016 at 11:10 am

    What she should have said is : Every Muslim is a potential terrorist.

    • jayell says

      Dec 3, 2016 at 12:21 pm

      And in a free and civilised society it would be proper for some muslim person to initiate a civil action on grounds of slander/libel and argue it properly in court, then see who wins. But, based on the evidence of statistics and islamic Holy Writ, the muslim would surely theoretically have lost, but that would have been the ‘wrong answer’? So consequently you’re not allowed to ask the question? And what eventually happens in societies where you try to muzzle people in this way? I don’t to have to be around when someone has to pick up the bits.

      • Lynette says

        Dec 4, 2016 at 2:26 am

        This verdict is ridiculous 1st, islam is not a race so stop saying it. It is an evil cult. It is not a religion and moslims are followers of an epileptic, megalomaniac pedophile demented maniacal ranting male. islam/moslims criticizes christians and othere moslims repeateALL NOT JUST THE MOSLIMS. End of story!!!!!

      • Real McCoy says

        Dec 4, 2016 at 4:04 am

        For sure not all the Muslims are terrorists “But all the terrorists are Muslims”.

    • A Harris USA says

      Dec 4, 2016 at 12:31 pm

      Seems to me there is no free speech in Finland!!! Wonder what happens when Muslims say it is OK to kill non believers in the religion of evil??? Bet nothing!! Finland may as well change their name to Finistan!!

  2. Michael Laudahn says

    Dec 3, 2016 at 11:24 am

    And Finland is one of the ‘tougher’ countries in migration-related things in Europe. This should give you an idea about the rest.

    • nicu says

      Dec 3, 2016 at 12:00 pm

      Absolutely true !

      Sons of Odin … where are you ?

      • Sassy says

        Dec 3, 2016 at 12:27 pm

        Sons of Odin are not what you think. Beware. Serious Anti-Fascists/Anarchists under disguise.

        • DFD says

          Dec 3, 2016 at 1:03 pm

          Interesting, can you be more specific please, links, sources, etc,

        • linnte says

          Dec 3, 2016 at 10:48 pm

          Nonsense. Ex Pagan here. And Norse religion is, yes, about white people, but that is because only that kind of people populated Norse countries! There are now, especially in America, Sons of Odin who have lots of members who are people that have more melanin in their skin. The Norse religions of old that are being brought back in recent years, have order and strong moral integrity. Sure there a few nut cases, like in any religion or society. But these people take their defense of their culture and heritage very seriously. Norsemen were not anarchists.

    • LB says

      Dec 4, 2016 at 1:46 pm

      Although located in northern Europe, Finland (and the rest of Scandinavian countries for that matter) are classified as “Western”, i.e. technologically and economically advanced, but also politically progressive and liberal. Hence Finland’s pusillanimous attitude in defending its culture and people, because that would be considered “far-right” and “xenophobic”; counter to the narrative of leftist elites.

      If you want to see what REAL European “tougher countries in migration-related things” look like, see Hungary, Poland Czech Republic and Slovakia.

  3. Vyx says

    Dec 3, 2016 at 11:27 am

    I feel sorry for the informed people of Western Europe who have children. If things do not change, their children will have only two choices– convert or live under subjugation. The way things are going, their only real chance may be to leave their home countries sooner rather than later and settle in a place where islam is not accepted.

    Unfortunately, it seems like islam is the darling of liberals, and liberals rule the world.

    • MRR says

      Dec 3, 2016 at 12:00 pm

      IT IS SAD THAT YOU THINK THIS IS ONLY HAPPENING IN FINLAND AND WESTERN EUROPE. THE FACT IS THAT THIS IS HAPPENING IN THE UNITED STATES WHICH SINCE THE FRAUDULENT ELECTION OF A KENYAN INDONESIAN ILLEGAL ALIEN IN 2008 HAS BECOME A CARNIVAL OF RELIGIOUS TYRANNY.
      THE FACT IS THAT THE UNITED STATES HAS BECOME A LAWLESS ROGUE STATE AND WITH THE ARAB SPRING HAS ENGAGED IN THE ETHNIC CLEANSING AND GENOCIDES DICTATED BY THE MOSLEM BROTHERHOOD WHO ARE IN CONTROL OF THE CONSTITUTIONAL REPUBLIC THAT WAS BEFORE THIS ENEMY COMBATANT BECAME COMMANDER IN CHIEF. THE FACT IS THAT THE UNITED STATES HAS DECLINED INTO A FOURTH TIER THIRD WORLD COUNTRY SINCE AND THE CURRENT EFFORT TO DELEGITIMIZE THE TRUMP VICTORY IS EVIDENT EVIDENCE OF JUST HOW MUCH POWER THE MOSLEM BROTHERHOOD CALIPHATE HAS WORLDWIDE.

    • Real McCoy says

      Dec 4, 2016 at 4:14 am

      VyxYou are talking garbage, this is not the right way you to say.

      • gravenimage says

        Dec 5, 2016 at 1:15 am

        What did Vyx say that is inaccurate? I think Europe can still save herself, but if things continue as they are things will not be well for civilized Europe.

  4. Buford says

    Dec 3, 2016 at 11:35 am

    Wonderful those slobs can blow up buildings demand we give up pork, change political views demand special prayer sessions on the employers Dime, WAKE UP anybody that believes in the hogwash in the Quran or Sharia Law is a threat to all of us call it religious censorship or what ever but Islamic beliefs need to stay in the Middle East

  5. Voytek Gagalka says

    Dec 3, 2016 at 11:53 am

    Mistake number one: never say anything you are not ready to defend 100%. Mistake number two: Never retreat from what you did say, never apologize for it even if that will bring big trouble for you. Learn from (infamous) Mr. Trotsky, one of the leaders of the Bolshevik revolution. As much I and anyone else can despise him, one thing is certain: he never did back down. Once upon the time when put on trial by the tsarist regime, he was so certain of himself that it was he who acted like a prosecutor rather than defendant. Learn from your enemies and blunders of your friends: it might even save your head.

  6. Angemon says

    Dec 3, 2016 at 12:05 pm

    During the trial, Kiemunki was asked why she did not make a distinction between Islam and radical Islam. She replied that she meant to refer to the spread of Islamic culture and religion, and that she “probably should have” spoken of radicalised elements of the religion instead of the faith as a whole.

    The correct answer would have been to *demand* the court to explain the difference between islam and “radical islam”, as well as to point out where and how her post failed to make the distinction.

    Following the sentencing, Kiemunki issued a release in which she charged that public pressure was behind the verdict. She said that she planned to take the matter to the appeal court.

    “I am still of the view that declaring statistical facts or even sharing an opinion is not a crime if someone doesn’t like it,” she wrote.

    And she’s absolutely f***ing right. Pointing to facts and statistics is NOT a crime, and if someone has an issue with it, then they should have their heads examined.

    • rubiconcrest says

      Dec 3, 2016 at 2:11 pm

      Yes I was thinking the same thing. Just when the trial was getting interesting. The court would have had a hard time finding a distinction.

    • DFD says

      Dec 3, 2016 at 2:14 pm

      Angemon says: “….And she’s absolutely f***ing right. Pointing to facts and statistics is NOT a crime, and if someone has an issue with it, then they should have their heads examined.”

      Indeed my friend. But think about or remember this, the charges against Wilders, or certain AfD politicians, or the court ruling in Germany/Austria (I forgot which one) letting a child rapist of the hook, with the reason that the 10 year old boy did no specifically made it clear that he does not want to be raped.

      Examining their heads? I believe examining their accounts and their career prospects might be more telling. Also, with whom did they study….

  7. Charles says

    Dec 3, 2016 at 12:31 pm

    Islam is a stench in the very nose of GOD! Satanic in origin, psycopathic in practice. Only a total FOOL could possibly think otherwise.
    The woman was right. How can you smother pig turds with rose petals and hope to hide the STENCH?
    Just as the worlds crooked Politicians tried so hard to ignore the rise of Hitler and his NAZISM, so do they try to ignore the foul and vile STENCH of islam today.
    It is only allowing the cancer to grow worse, and require far more blood and treasure to contain tomorrow.

  8. Jedothek says

    Dec 3, 2016 at 12:32 pm

    Apparently it needs to be said again:

    1. Islam is not a race.

    2. It is plain that the European-American tradition of free speech is designed to protect (among other things) critique of religious ideas. If , in 1800, an American had published a book criticizing Catholicism , and it had come to court, the judge would ( I hope) have found that the writer was within his rights.

    To preserve our civilization, we must agree on our freedom to disagree.

  9. Michael Copeland says

    Dec 3, 2016 at 12:49 pm

    “Agitation against an ethnic group”?
    Are Arabs, Africans, Indonesians, and Pakistanis now one “ethnic group”? All follow Islam.

    Is the BDS movement “agitation against an ethnic group”?

    Writing of a “repressive, intolerant and violent religion and culture” is slander?
    Here are some self-slandering muslim texts Ms Kiemunki can quote:

    “If anyone desire a religion other than Islam never shall it be accepted of him” – Koran 3:85
    “My religion does not tolerate other religions . It does not tolerate” – Imam Abu Bakr, Australia
    “Violence is the heart of Islam” – Ayatollah Yazdi

    May Ms Kiemunki’s appeal be successful.

  10. Westman says

    Dec 3, 2016 at 12:50 pm

    In addition to taking control of what people think and say, the liberals of the Western world, working under the protection of democratic freedoms, are attempting to erase the very warrior class that guarantees those freedoms.

    When this happens, the militants, like Islam, Communists, and facists, will determine the future status of nations, like Finland; nations, that are emasculating themselves. One thing is certain: Nations that take “feel good” and PC to extremes will join the vanquished of history.

    The worst part of Europe’s decline into blurry definition is that it was enabled by the US subsidizing NATO far too long. Other than historical geography and structures, I am at a loss to to know what Europe represents in terms of unchanging values, or, what it deems worthy to protect.

  11. Resistant says

    Dec 3, 2016 at 1:53 pm

    You will read this. I wrote a non offensive comment that you didnt post. You chose to censor me?Consequently will not follow you anymore and wont drive traffic to your website …Outrageous.

    • Kay says

      Dec 3, 2016 at 9:08 pm

      Sometimes mistakes happen for one reason or another. Perhaps this was the case for you.

    • gravenimage says

      Dec 5, 2016 at 1:25 am

      What? No one’s posts are removed here unless they call for violence, are over-the-top profane, or wildly off-topic.

      But I have had a few technical glitches where a comment did not post–it is frustrating, but has nothing to do with content. Posts are not vetted ahead of time. If a post does not show up, it is not because it has been censored.

    • Mirren10 says

      Dec 5, 2016 at 10:26 am

      Resistant says :

      ”You will read this. I wrote a non offensive comment that you didnt post. You chose to censor me?Consequently will not follow you anymore and wont drive traffic to your website …Outrageous.”

      ”You will read this” ??

      Actually, I think *that’s* pretty outrageous ! This blog is privately owned by Robert Spencer, and whilst he gives us the opportunity to post here, he is under no obligation to do so.

      To add to what gravenimage and Kay have said; if this is the first time you have posted here, and you haven’t registered, then your post will be ”awaiting moderation.” If you register, your posts will be immediately posted. Maybe you should find out things, before throwing a hissy fit, my friend.

  12. ... says

    Dec 3, 2016 at 2:56 pm

    Finland is very near to having an uprising.It’s bubbling under.People are so angry and tired of this ridiculous shit.Tuesday is very potential day for a flashpoint.We shall see.

  13. John A. Marre says

    Dec 3, 2016 at 3:28 pm

    Hey Finland! why not bring in a million or so? Want to take bets on how long it takes for you to remove the cross from your flag?

  14. somehistory says

    Dec 3, 2016 at 3:35 pm

    Until it is the time for the beast to be destroyed, it will continue to force people to bow to it and its image. This woman is not allowed to say what the beast does not want made public.
    It is a fight. Eventually, it will be the time for the beast to go into the eternal pit of destruction along with its false prophet.

  15. Kay says

    Dec 3, 2016 at 9:10 pm

    How can this be? Are people similarly fined over insulting other religions?

  16. linnte says

    Dec 3, 2016 at 10:51 pm

    This is a stomach turning article. A huge blow to all nations democracy and freedom of speech. As one dominoe falls another responds in kind. omg.

  17. Anne Smith says

    Dec 4, 2016 at 5:50 am

    The upshot of this is that we shan’t see many Finns posting here. Pity.

    • gravenimage says

      Dec 5, 2016 at 1:26 am

      I hope we see *more* Finnish patriots posting here.

  18. Double Standard says

    Dec 4, 2016 at 9:08 am

    But all german where Nazis,right?Oh the votes the Nazis get in free elections where 38%-and there where Nazis who helped Jews,Blacks,Slavics,Chinese.But nobody will be fined if he say.The Nazi Germans…

  19. Mirren10 says

    Dec 4, 2016 at 1:38 pm

    ”During the trial, Kiemunki was asked why she did not make a distinction between Islam and radical Islam”

    She should have said; ”OK, you tell me, what *is* the difference ?”

    But as others have pointed out, islam is the only religion that gets this kind of protection. Outrageous. Maybe she’ll become the Finnish Geert Wilders ?

    • gravenimage says

      Dec 5, 2016 at 1:51 am

      Boy, I hope so, Mirren. It was difficult to find much about her in English. I did find this:

      http://www.migranttales.net/terhi-kiemunki-and-the-ps-of-finland-are-laughing-all-the-way-to-the-bank/

      This article is sickeningly biased against anyone telling the truth about Islam–but reading between the lines, Terhi Kiemunkiand her PS party do sound rather hopeful.

      Any Finns here with more information?

    • linnte says

      Dec 5, 2016 at 10:47 am

      Mirren, I wish she had heard your comment before speaking! She then could have brought out a Qur’an and asked them to find all those peaceful, tolerant aya! Good point lady!

  20. gravenimage says

    Dec 5, 2016 at 1:09 am

    Finland: Politician fined for criticizing Islam
    ………………,

    Suicidal madness. And once again, criticizing the violence of Islam is falsely characterized as “racist”.

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