pakkokeino

Pakkokeino is a coercive measure used in Finnish criminal proceedings to secure an investigation or the enforcement of a sentence. It refers to measures that restrict a person’s liberty or impose obligations on someone under investigation or charged with a crime. Pakkokeinot are regulated by the Finnish Code of Criminal Procedure and related laws, and may be applied to suspects or accused persons, and in some cases to other participants in a case.

Common forms include arrest and detention by the police or a court order, and house arrest as an alternative to detention. Other measures involve restrictions on movement or contact, such as a ban on leaving the country or a prohibition on contacting certain persons. In addition, authorities may seize or freeze assets and may use monitoring measures to ensure compliance with obligations.

Most pakkokeino decisions require judicial authorization or review. In urgent situations, police may impose a coercive measure temporarily, with the matter subsequently confirmed or adjusted by a court. Pakkokeinot must be necessary, proportionate, and time-limited, and they are subject to the rights of the person to legal counsel and to appeal, as well as regular review to prevent abuse.

Overall, pakkokeino is a fundamental tool in Finnish criminal procedure intended to balance effective investigation and safeguarding individual rights within a framework of proportionality and oversight.