Finnish newspaper editor files criminal complaint after MP’s spouse launches online abuse

The editor-in-chief of *Pitäjäläinen* and *Koillis-Savo* has filed a criminal complaint for defamation against Ari Reijonen, the spouse of Finns Party MP Minna Reijonen, regional daily *Savon Sanomat* reports.

Reijonen published a series of derogatory social media posts on Monday targeting editor Minna-Liisa Mathalt, including calling her a “serial drowner” and a “happy widow.” The comments followed a *Savon Sanomat* article about Minna Reijonen’s parliamentary work. The MP later apologised for her spouse’s posts.

Mathalt told *Savon Sanomat* she was accustomed to criticism as an editor but described Reijonen’s remarks as uniquely cruel, referencing a personal tragedy. In January 2015, Mathalt’s spouse and child died in an accident when their tractor broke through ice in Juankoski, Kuopio.