Left Alliance withdraws Markus Mustajärvi’s candidacy over criminal investigation

The Lapland district of Finland’s Left Alliance has withdrawn Markus Mustajärvi as a candidate for next year’s parliamentary elections, citing an ongoing criminal investigation.

According to the district, Mustajärvi failed to disclose that he was under investigation for a violent crime, which has since led to charges of assault, when he applied to run as a candidate.

“When a person stands as a candidate, they commit to revealing any criminal convictions, ongoing criminal investigations, or significant fines,” district chair Juhani Hiltunen said in a statement. “Based on information that emerged after his candidacy, Mustajärvi’s name will be removed from the Left Alliance’s Lapland electoral district list.”

Mustajärvi is a former long-serving Left Alliance MP. Yle has been unable to reach him for comment.