Police have detained several people in Lieksa, eastern Finland, who are suspected of incitement against an ethnic group. Police have launched an investigation regarding a Facebook group founded by several town residents, which features threats and insults aimed at immigrants.
The group’s name approximately translates to ‘immigration debate without censorship’. Some of the writings include outright threats to shoot black people.
Officials have detained seven people and questioning is underway. At this point, police suspect two men of aggravated incitement against an ethnic group. The maximum punishment for the crime is four years in prison.
Additionally, six local men and one woman are suspected of a milder form of the same crime.
The Facebook group has been online for a week. By Thursday, it had gathered over 50 members.