Finland

The Finnish Constitution protects freedom of speech. It entails e.g. the right to express opinions without prior restraints. In Finland, hate speech is not criminalised in legislation as such, but as incitement to hatred against an ethic group is criminalised. Racial motivation is also a ground for aggravating punishment. Unlike most of European countries, blasphemy is still criminalised. Prosecutors have also brought charges of breach of sanctity of religion in courts. This has been justified by the freedom of religion. International covenants has played a significant role in regulating hate speech in Finland.