A planned discussion event due to be held on parliamentary premises, and organised by Finns Party MP Mika Raatikainen, has been cancelled on the advice of the Security Intelligence Police (Supo). Swedish artist Lars Vilks, who is mainly known for drawing the prophet Mohammed, was due to attend the event to discuss freedom of speech issues.
According to a press release from parliament, the decision was made due to a threat assessment from Supo and because the event was not directly related to parliament’s work.
Raatikainen had on Friday morning released his own statement in which he blamed Social Democrat and speaker of parliament Eero Heinäluoma for cancelling the event. According to parliament, the decision was made by the Secretary General of parliament, Seppo Tiitinen.