IS: Two complaints filed over Keskisarja’s Wednesday remarks. Photo: Vesa Moilanen / Lehtikuva
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Four criminal complaints and two official complaints have been filed against Teemu Keskisarja, a member of the Finnish Parliament and first vice chair of the Finns Party, following comments he made about immigration during a televised political discussion.
The comments were made on Yle’s A-studio programme on 27 August. Speaking during a panel debate, Keskisarja described recent immigration to Finland as “a partially realised catastrophe” and referred to “hundreds of thousands of mostly low-quality newcomers”. He also stated that he values “the quality of the Finnish population more than the quantity”.
The remarks prompted four criminal complaints to be submitted to the Helsinki Police Department. A statement from the police confirmed that authorities are reviewing the programme content to determine whether to open a preliminary investigation.
The police did not name Keskisarja directly but referred to the episode by date.
In addition to the police complaints, two official complaints were submitted to the Parliamentary Ombudsman’s Office. These were lodged by private individuals, according to the Ombudsman’s office. The institution noted that more may follow as the issue has received attention in the media.
The Parliamentary Ombudsman monitors the legality of official conduct in Finland. Any person can file a complaint if they believe an official has broken the law, neglected their duties, or violated basic or human rights. The process may result in an official investigation and subsequent action. Possible outcomes include recommendations for corrective measures or requests for police investigation.
The episode also drew political responses. In the same programme, Keskisarja appeared alongside Green Party leader Sofia Virta and National Coalition MP Pia Kauma. The debate covered themes including immigration, labour migration, and demographic change.
Addressing the issue in an interview with Helsingin Sanomat, Prime Minister Petteri Orpo condemned Keskisarja’s remarks and said they would be reviewed within the government.
During the broadcast, Keskisarja also referred to the concept of “population replacement” as a reality. He said that Finnish traditions are being replaced by “developing world conditions, slaughter, and pigsty-like chaos”.
The population replacement theory, referenced in his comments, is a widely debunked conspiracy theory that claims Western societies are being intentionally transformed by non-European migration to weaken or replace white majorities.
According to Ilta-Sanomat, which first reported the case, the remarks have generated strong reactions, including calls for clarification of the limits of free speech for public officials.
The Parliamentary Ombudsman aims to process complaints within one year. If a case is not pursued further, responses are usually issued within three months.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
