US embassy in Finland calls Päivi Räsänen’s conviction concerning for freedom of religion and speech

The US embassy in Finland has expressed concern over the conviction of Christian Democrat MP Päivi Räsänen, stating it sets a troubling precedent for freedom of religion and speech.

In a post on X, the embassy said criminalising non-violent religious expression—regardless of the underlying views—raises serious concerns about protections for religious and free speech rights. The statement was accompanied by a photo of Räsänen and US Ambassador to Finland Howard Broidy.

Finland’s Supreme Court convicted Räsänen on Thursday for incitement against a minority group, imposing a fine. The case stemmed from her public statements on religious beliefs.