Vigilantism debate intensifies in Finland amid social media concerns

The issue of vigilantism in Finland is once again a hot topic on social media. Recently, a group has emerged that shares information about alleged abusers online, claiming to fight against bullies. Finnish broadcaster Yle has chosen not to reveal the group’s name due to potential legal violations related to their content.

Vigilantism refers to the actions of individuals or groups who take the law into their own hands, a concept that Johan-Eerik Kukko, who recently completed a dissertation on the subject, clarifies involves both planned actions and the threat of violence. Kukko explains that many people involved in such groups are often frustrated with the limited resources of police or the inefficacy of the justice system. For example, vigilantes targeting pedophiles justify their actions by arguing that punishments for such crimes are too lenient.

Kukko notes that while vigilantism can involve violence, online it may manifest through the threat of revealing personal information. Common symbols, like the ones used by the Soldiers of Odin, a group founded during the 2015 refugee crisis in Kemi, may serve to establish a deterrent effect.

From the authorities’ perspective, these groups can pose problems, particularly if they impede others by stopping people or asking for identification. Fundamentally, the state holds a monopoly on violence through institutions like the police and military. While heightened community vigilance is not inherently a problem, excessive vigilance can lead to overreach.

Kukko warns that vigilant groups might have hidden agendas, which can be more dangerous from a democratic perspective. For instance, a newly formed group claiming to target abusers mixes political declarations with their stated aims, raising questions about their true motivations.

In contrast, activist group Elokapina, which gained attention for protesting in a non-violent manner alongside Swedish counterparts, does not align with vigilantism as its members openly express their political objectives and seek to reform institutions rather than usurp them.