Finland parliament committee recommends against charging foreign minister for attempt to replace official over Syria repatriation News
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Finland parliament committee recommends against charging foreign minister for attempt to replace official over Syria repatriation

The Finnish Parliament’s Constitutional Law Committee recommended Wednesday against prosecuting Minister for Foreign Affairs Pekka Haavisto for attempting to replace an official.

While the committee found that Haavisto had broken the law, it ruled that his actions did not meet the threshold for prosecution required by the Finnish Constitution. Experts who spoke before the committee testified that while he deserved reprimand for his action, there was no reason to bring charges against him.

The attempt at replacement occurred after Haavisto and the official disagreed over the repatriation of Finnish citizens from the al-Hol camp in northern Syria. Haavisto wanted to work quickly due to the approach of winter and deteriorating conditions in the camp in 2019. In addition, he cited the risk of radicalization and lack of access to education for those staying.

Whether or not Haavisto will face prosecution is up to the parliament. In all likelihood, the parliament will follow the committee’s recommendation. The date for the vote has not been set yet.

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