kahtlustatavate

Kahtlustatavat is a Finnish legal term referring to persons who are suspected of having committed a crime. In the Finnish criminal process, kahtlustatavat are individuals against whom there is reasonable suspicion, and they are part of the investigation phase. They have not yet been formally charged in court as defendants. The status may change as the investigation develops, potentially becoming epäilty (someone under suspicion) or syytetty (the accused) if the case advances to court.

Rights and procedures: Kahtlustatavat have the right to be informed about the reasons for the suspicion and the suspected offense in a manner they understand. They are entitled to legal counsel and to interpretation if needed. They may be questioned by authorities, but they have the right to silence and to avoid self-incrimination. Statements given by kahtlustatavat may be used as part of the evidentiary record, subject to applicable rules on voluntariness and coercion. They can request a lawyer, and in many situations a defense attorney must be present during questioning. They should be informed about procedural steps that affect them and may contribute information and evidence relevant to the investigation.

Investigation and context: The term is primarily used in official language and media reports about ongoing investigations. Kahtlustatavat are distinct from todistajat (witnesses) and from syytetyt (the accused) and occupy a specific role during the pre-trial phase under the Finnish Code of Criminal Procedure.

Etymology: The word derives from kahtlustaa, meaning to suspect, with the -tava/-tettava suffix forming a noun for a person to be suspected, pluralized as kahtlustatavat. See also kahtlustus, epäilty, syytetty.