IPI Public Statements

IPI Expresses Disappointment at Verdict in Finnish Photojournalist Markus Pentikäinen Case

21 December 2007

PRESS RELEASE

The International Press Institute (IPI), the global network of editors, media executives and leading journalists in over 120 countries, is deeply disappointed by the verdict in the trial of Finnish photographer Markus Pentikäinen, who has been found guilty by a Finnish court for refusal to obey police orders.

Pentikäinen, a photojournalist for the Finnish weekly Suomen Kuvalehti, was arrested during the course of demonstrations surrounding the Asia-Europe (ASEM) meeting in Helsinki on 9 September 2007. As reported in a previous press statement, anarchists had made clear their intention to demonstrate at the location of the meeting. Pentikäinen had been assigned to cover the event, along with one other photographer and reporter from the Suomen Kuvalehti. After a group of youths rushed a police line, the authorities decided to disperse the crowd. Pentikäinen, displaying full press credentials, refused to leave the scene, believing it his job and understanding his right to remain and report on the events. At one stage, Pentikäinen was witness to what appeared to be excessive use of force by police officers.

Once the police had finally cleared the area, Pentikäinen and another photographer, Ville Komsi, were the only people remaining on the scene. Both were arrested as they attempted to leave. Pentikäinen’s equipment was confiscated, and he was detained for 18 hours without being offered the chance to consult a lawyer or his colleagues at the Suomen Kuvalehti. He was subsequently charged with refusal to obey police orders. The verdict in the trial was handed down on Monday, 17 December, and Pentikäinen was found guilty, although no sentence was given.

"The criminal record Pentikäinen has received represents a further blow for freedom of the press in Finland, a country that, until recently, has had a superb press freedom record," said Johann P. Fritz, IPI Director. "In order to fulfil their role as public watchdog, the press need to be afforded certain rights. In the case of Pentikäinen, this right meant the permission to remain at the scene of the demonstration to continue reporting. Pentikäinen was not taking part in the demonstration, nor was he disrupting the peace. In fact, his witnessing of alleged police brutality proves that his continued presence was justified, and the fact that his arrest could be construed as pre-emptive censorship is truly worrying."

"We support Pentikäinen’s appeal of the verdict, hope that the court of higher instance re-evaluates the decision, and that Pentikäinen’s right to receive and impart information without interference from the authorities, as detailed in Article 10 of the European Convention of Human Rights, is finally respected. If such a finding is allowed to stand, then a worrying precedent will be set for press freedom in Finland"

Read Country Reports on 'Finland':

2007 World Press Freedom Review
2006 World Press Freedom Review
2005 World Press Freedom Review
2004 World Press Freedom Review
2003 World Press Freedom Review
2002 World Press Freedom Review
2001 World Press Freedom Review
2000 World Press Freedom Review
1999 World Press Freedom Review
1998 World Press Freedom Review

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