Finland: 2 cases

Overview

Finland has started prosecuting alleged terrorists for core international crimes and terrorism offences in 2016, with an indictment being filed in November of that year against two Iraqi nationals. This case also led to the first verdict ,an acquittal, in cumulative proceedings of alleged terrorists in Finland in May 2017.
 

Genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes have been criminalised in Finland since 2008 through Act 212/2008. Chapter 11 of the Finish Criminal Code (FCC) contains the provisions relating to international crimes. Terrorism offences are prescribed in Chapter 34a FCC. Notably, in 2022 an amendment of Section 4 of Chapter 34a entered into force which criminalised participation in the activities of a terrorist group. No returnees from Syria and Iraq have been prosecuted for terrorism and core international crimes charges in Finland. Prosecutions on the basis of universal jurisdiction are also possible by virtue of Section 7 of Chapter 1 FCC.
 

Criminal investigations for crimes committed abroad are initiated by order of the Prosecutor General, with the National Bureau of Investigation of the Finnish Police being in charge of conducting the investigation, in cooperation with prosecutors. Pursuant to the Criminal Investigation Act, Investigations are ordered by the prosecution office when there is reason to suspect that a crimes has been committed, for example on the basis of a complaint filed by an injured party. Cases concerning core international crimes are heard on first instance level before District Courts with appeals being possible to the Courts of Appeal. Further appeal to the Supreme Court is only possible if leave to appeal is granted by the Supreme Court itself.
 

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Last update: 2 May 2025