Helsinki district court dismisses lay judge for inappropriate comments about foreigners

The Helsinki District Court has dismissed a lay judge from his duties due to inappropriate comments directed at foreigners. The individual expressed opinions about foreign defendants during court sessions. Three different judges noted the remarks in four separate hearings, deeming them unsuitable. According to the court’s statement, the lay judge’s attitude towards the parties involved in the trial, and partially towards the presiding judge, was deemed inappropriate and disrespectful.

The lay judge defended himself by claiming his statements were political opinions. However, the assessment highlighted that freedom of expression is not absolute and carries responsibilities. His comments about foreigners raised concerns about whether he could treat all trial participants impartially. Consequently, his remarks did not receive protection under freedom of expression.

The court’s decision is not yet legally binding. In the district court, lay judges assist in criminal and property law cases alongside a judge. Typically, the composition consists of one legally trained presiding judge and two lay judges.