Truth Party chairperson Jaana Kavonius faces multiple aggravated defamation charges in Espoo District Court. Prosecutors accuse her of targeting judges, lawyers, and social media commentators with harmful statements.
The alleged crimes occurred between 2021 and 2023. Authorities claim Kavonius continued her activities even after investigations began.
Court proceedings started at 9 AM local time. The hearing follows a dramatic arrest operation last October.
Police apprehended Kavonius near her home after a citizen recognized the long-sought suspect. Bystanders helped prevent her from leaving before officers arrived.
This case was originally scheduled for March but got delayed when Kavonius couldn't be served court papers. During that period, she reportedly stayed in Slovakia, Hungary, and Italy.
A spring warrant authorized her arrest in absentia. When finally appearing via video link for detention hearings, Kavonius loudly proclaimed her innocence and announced a hunger strike.
"Even if I get imprisoned, my actions will remain in history," she declared during court proceedings.
The judge repeatedly interrupted Kavonius for making statements unrelated to the detention matter.
Kavonius leads the Truth Party, which advocates for what it calls a "corruption-free Finland" and dismantling "official mafia networks." The party considers EU agreements illegal and hasn't condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the party strongly criticized government measures. Kavonius gained attention for participating in a 2022 convoy protest dressed as Star Wars princess Leia, often appearing with a lightsaber.
Many criminal suspicions stem from her party activities. She allegedly published videos on party websites that disparaged individuals using their names, photographs, and identifiable information. She also spread information about people through social media and mass emails.
In previous comments, Kavonius denied committing crimes and said she shared truthful information.
The case highlights how Finnish authorities treat alleged repeated defamation across multiple years and countries. Legal experts note the unusual combination of political activity and criminal accusations.