Prosecution seeks sentences for journalists in Viestikoekeskus case in Helsinki

Prosecutors argue that journalists from Helsingin Sanomat revealed security secrets in their reporting and subsequently evaded responsibility. In contrast, the defense maintains that the reporters had no obligation regarding the publication of an article from December 2017, and the information presented was not confidential. Today, the Helsinki Court of Appeals heard closing statements in the Viestikoekeskus case.

The prosecution is seeking conditional prison sentences for Tuomo Pietiläinen, Laura Halminen, and Kalle Silfverberg for disclosing security secrets and attempting to do so. Special prosecutor Anja-Riitta Rinkinen questioned why the articles and communications between the defendants referenced the Finnish Defense Forces’ secret documents if, as the defense claims, the information came from public sources. She noted that details were often reproduced verbatim from documents into the articles.

According to Rinkinen, the accused have tried to suggest that only the editorial leadership, which has not been specified, is to blame for the published article. She remarked that it is understandable they want to hide behind an “unknown man.”

In January 2023, the Helsinki District Court found Pietiläinen and Halminen guilty of revealing state secrets, with Pietiläinen receiving a fine. The court determined that Halminen’s role in writing the article was minor, and as she had sought to ensure the legality of the publication, no punishment was imposed on her.

During the court proceedings, it emerged that Halminen had maintained closer contact with the Defense Forces than previously known, discussing the project and examining materials prior to the article’s release. The investigation into the Viestikoekeskus case has lasted nearly seven years, with the court’s decision awaited later.