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.