vihasyyte

Vihasyyte is a Finnish term that roughly translates to "hate-speech" or "incitement to hatred." It refers to expressions that are intended to promote hatred, discrimination, or violence against a group of people based on characteristics such as their race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or national origin.

In Finland, vihasyyte is a legally defined concept and is considered a criminal offense under the Penal Code. The law aims to protect vulnerable groups and maintain public order by prohibiting speech that incites hatred or hostility towards them. This can include verbal abuse, written defamation, or public calls for discrimination or violence.

The application of the vihasyyte law involves a careful balancing act between freedom of expression and the need to protect individuals and groups from harm. Courts consider the context, intent, and potential impact of the speech when determining whether it constitutes vihasyyte. Factors such as the speaker's position, the nature of the audience, and whether the speech is likely to provoke a hostile reaction are taken into account.

The concept of vihasyyte is not always straightforward and can be subject to interpretation. Debates surrounding free speech and hate speech are ongoing, both in Finland and internationally, as societies grapple with how to address harmful rhetoric while upholding democratic values.