Journalists are on trial for allegedly leaking “Defense Secret”
Three journalists from Helsingin Sanomat, Finland’s largest national daily newspaper, were charged with “attempted disclosure of a security secret.” The journalists went on trial on Thursday in Helsinki, Finland, at the Intelligence Research Center court. If found guilty, the prosecutor demands at least 18 months of suspended sentences.
Finnish journalists are on trial for covering an investigative story in 2017 and publishing a report titled “Finland‘s most secret place,” which revealed the approximate locations and tasks of Finland’s intelligence unit during a time when parliament debated expanding its powers to monitor private data in digital networks.
The case was unprecedented and unusual in a country well known for its press freedom. The case had previously been dismissed due to a lack of evidence. According to the prosecutor, the report contained harmful information that was illegal.
Journalists on trial for allegedly disclosing “Defense Secret”
“We can show for each published sentence that the information could be found on the internet or in books prior to the publication of our article,” said Kaius Niemi, Editor in Chief of Helsingin Sanomat. It is not possible to classify public information.”
He stated that the journalists had not violated any laws. The three journalists all deny any wrongdoing.
Finland had previously ranked high in a global press freedom index. Reporters Without Borders publishes an annual ranking of Finland. However, it falls to fifth place this year. According to the Finnish branch of the journalist association.
Conventionally naming defendants in any criminal case is only possible under Finnish law if there is a conviction. The two journalists, as well as Kaius Niemi, deny any wrongdoing.
“Legal proceedings, in particular, seek to determine whether security secrets were involved and, if so, whether there was a right to publish them.” According to lawyer Kai Kotiranta, “even if the information is a security secret, there may be a right to publish it.”
Hanne Aho, chairwoman of the Finnish Journalists Union, stated that the case was unique. “accusation of high treason leveled against Finnish journalists” It is truly exceptional.” The threat of incarceration can induce self-censorship.”
Hanne Aho also stated that the majority of the legal proceedings, in this case, were problematic. It took place behind closed doors. She requested that the court publish formal reasoning to explain. An explanation was given as to why freedom of expression could be restricted. If the journalists were found to be guilty.
The trial of the Finnish Journalists began on Thursday with a preparatory session in Helsinki. The formal and main hearings of the trial will begin on September 29 and will last until December.
The main hearing of the case can be open or closed to the public.
