Petition Regarding the Dissemination of Religious Hatred and Islamophobic Content in Telegram

To: Relevant Authorities, Community Organizations, Educational Institutions, and Equality Bodies in Finland

We, the undersigned, wish to raise serious concerns regarding the circulation of messages within a Telegram group of approximately 900 members. Many members of this group are immigrants currently residing in Finland, including individuals who arrived through educational or study-related pathways.

The messages circulated in this group are primarily written in Persian and are shared largely among members of the Iranian diaspora community living in Finland. The group contains a large number of members, and the messages are visible to a broad audience within the group.

Within this online group, numerous messages contain hostile and disrespectful remarks directed toward Islam, Muslims, and the sacred Prophet of Islam. The messages repeatedly mock Islamic beliefs, religious practices, and Muslim identity in ways that appear intended to demean and insult rather than to engage in constructive discussion.

Some messages question why European countries allow Muslims to immigrate and suggest that Muslim communities negatively affect these societies. Other posts portray Muslims as incompatible with European values and argue that Muslims should not live in European countries.

The content also includes ridicule of Islamic religious texts, sacred figures, and religious practices such as the hijab and niqab. These remarks contribute to an atmosphere of disrespect toward a major world religion and its followers.

In several discussions within the group, one participant has repeatedly described the reactions of her Finnish in-laws and relatives in strongly negative terms when they hear about Islam, Islamic practices, or encounter Muslims. According to the messages shared in the group, she portrays such encounters as deeply unpleasant experiences and encourages similar negative attitudes toward Muslims. The same participant has also referred to the Qur’an using highly offensive language and has made degrading statements about the Prophet of Islam. Such comments go beyond political or religious criticism and instead involve language that insults sacred religious figures and texts in a manner that contributes to hostility toward Muslims as a religious community.

In addition, some discussions include derogatory remarks about other nationalities, including Afghans and other groups, using demeaning language and stereotypes. Such statements promote hostility and discrimination among communities living in Finland.

Finland is widely respected as a country that values equality, freedom of religion, and mutual respect among people of different backgrounds. The spread of content that mocks religious beliefs, dehumanizes communities, and promotes hostility toward Muslims undermines these values and can contribute to a hostile environment for residents of different backgrounds.

Relevant Finnish Legal Provisions

The issues described above may relate to several provisions of Finnish law:



Finnish Criminal Code, Chapter 11, Section 10 – Agitation against a Population Group

This law prohibits spreading statements or information that threaten, defame, or insult a group of people based on religion, ethnicity, nationality, or similar identity. Messages distributed to a large audience, including within online groups, may fall under this provision. Even if a Telegram group is closed, a group with hundreds of members may still be considered a context where statements are widely disseminated.



Finnish Criminal Code, Chapter 17, Section 10 – Breach of the Sanctity of Religion

This provision addresses publicly insulting or degrading what a religious community considers sacred, including sacred texts, religious beliefs, or religious figures.



Non-Discrimination Act (1325/2014)

This law prohibits discrimination and harassment based on religion or belief and promotes equality within Finnish society.



Evidence and Documentation

The statements referenced in this petition were originally written in Persian. For the purpose of documentation and review, the relevant messages can be translated into English when necessary. Screenshots and archived messages from the Telegram group may also be available as supporting evidence if requested by relevant authorities or institutions.

Requests

We respectfully call upon relevant authorities, community organizations, and institutions to:

Review the dissemination of religiously hateful and discriminatory content in online spaces used by residents of Finland.



Promote awareness and dialogue about religious tolerance, respect, and responsible online communication.



Encourage measures that prevent harassment, discrimination, and the spread of hate speech in digital communities.



Ensure that Finland’s principles of equality, dignity, and freedom of religion are respected within public and online discourse.

This petition is not intended to suppress freedom of expression. Rather, it emphasizes that freedom of expression should not be used to promote harassment, religious hatred, or the dehumanization of any community.
We believe that respectful dialogue and mutual understanding are essential for maintaining Finland’s commitment to diversity, human dignity, and peaceful coexistence among people of different beliefs and backgrounds.