By John Joseph
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Simon Ekpa’s case has put Finland in a problematic situation of having to navigate the blurry line between his rights to freedom of expression and the criminality of his violence-inciting campaigns.
Finland has condemned the violence and incitement to violence perpetuated by Simon Ekpa, a Nigerian-Finnish lawyer and Biafra agitator.
The issue is being addressed as part of Finland’s bilateral relations with Nigeria, as the Finnish Ambassador to Nigeria, Leena Pylvanainen, meeting with the Nigerian Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Zubairu Dada, to discuss the matter.
The Ambassador has assured Nigeria of its cooperation in addressing the issue, and their law enforcement agencies are in touch and Simon Ekpa cooperation.
Ambassador Leena has emphasized the need to consider Ekpa’s rights as a Finnish citizen, protected by Finnish legislation that has strong protections for freedom of speech. Finland is investigating the situation within the context of its legal framework, which includes stipulations against hate speech and incitement to violence.