The legal case concerning financial irregularities within the Karelian Language Society is progressing to the Court of Appeal. Former Archbishop Leo Makkonen, who chaired the society for many years, has declared his intention to appeal the sentence he received, which included a suspended prison term of one year and one month for serious grant fraud and serious accounting offenses. This decision is confirmed by his legal advisor, Matti Tolvanen, highlighting the case's significance amid the ongoing legal proceedings.

The regional court of North Karelia found that both Makkonen and the society's former secretary provided misleading information regarding the use of grants to the Ministry of Education and Culture. Both received the same suspended prison term, suggesting a shared responsibility in the management of the society’s finances. The revelations around the case have attracted attention, as they involve key figures within the Orthodox Church and reflect broader societal concerns regarding financial transparency in cultural organizations.

Makkonen continues to assert that he did not intentionally provide false information, indicating potential grounds for his appeal. This situation not only affects the individuals involved but also raises questions about the oversight and regulation of grants within cultural institutions, potentially prompting further scrutiny of such organizations and their accountability practices.