Finnish prosecutor appeals Räsänen verdict

Finnish MP Päivi Räsänen was acquitted on Wednesday of the three charges of insulting homosexuals. According to the court, she remained within the limits of freedom of religion and expression. The acquittal also applies to the Lutheran bishop Juhana Pohjola.

The Finnish judge has decided that the charges against Päivi Räsänen have no ground. She was accused of discrimination and insulting homosexuals. Follow this liveblog for reports from our Finnish reporter Danielle Miettinen in Helsinki and reactions from the wider world. (We use Central European Summer Time (CEST), which is one hour after the clock in Helsinki, Finland.)

In the coming week, the Finnish judge will decide the Räsänen case. The consequences can be very far-reaching. But in what state is the freedom of religion at this moment? Dr Janse offers a perspective from the Netherlands.