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Finland tightens laws on illegal threats

The changes apply to threats made against people because of their job or public position.

Kaupan kassa, K-market Tammisto.
Retail workers are also protected under the changes. Image: Kalevi Rytkölä / Yle
  • Yle News

Those making an 'illegal threat' can now be prosecuted without a complaint from a victim, thanks to a change in the law that came into force on 1 October.

The change affects threats made against people working in customer service or admin, health and social care, retail work, teaching, police work or the justice system.

The rules also apply to threats made against researchers, journalists and artists as well as municipal politicians and officials and members of parliament.

Authorities want to improve the position of victims and allow better action against intimidation of people in key positions.

According to Finnish law, an illegal threat is made when an individual has reason to fear for their safety or that their property may be in danger.

Until this law change, victims needed to make a complaint for police and prosecutors to take action in such cases.

Legislative changes are part of a broader effort to prevent and fight organised, aggressive, targeted harassment that threatens freedom of speech, research, journalism or the work of public officials.