A Finnish professor argues that obeying illegal orders does not absolve individuals from criminal responsibility, as demonstrated by a recent discrimination case involving a store in Kontiolahti.
Emeritus professor of criminal law Matti Tolvanen supports the court's decision to convict a grocery store owner and an employee in Kontiolahti for discriminatory practices against Roma people. The North Karelia District Court sentenced the store owner Jari Venäläinen to 60 day fines for refusing to sell products to Roma customers, while the employee received a 40 day fine for following the owner's directive.
Tolvanen emphasizes that the employee's conviction is justified, even though he acted under the employer's orders, arguing that illegal commands should not be followed. He draws parallels with traffic laws, stating that drivers cannot excuse illegal actions by claiming they were instructed by their employer to break the law. This highlights the broader implications of personal responsibility in cases of discrimination and the importance of adhering to legal standards.
The case has significant social relevance as discrimination against Roma individuals is a persistent issue in Finland, making this court ruling a noteworthy example. The circumstances surrounding the case gained media attention in early 2024, underscoring the need for awareness and action against discriminatory practices in society.
