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The Finnish government has just announced plans to fight racism, including a ban on Holocaust denial.
The decision comes after Finland's cabinet was rocked twice by scandals involving racism. Under the plan, the government will ban Holocaust denial during World War II and consider banning the use of Nazi symbols.
The move comes after Riikka Purra, the Finance Minister and leader of the Finns party, apologised for racist comments on social media, which included anti-immigrant, anti-Muslim and racist sentiments as well as threats of violence.
Last June, Vilhelm Junnila, the economy minister, resigned after 10 days in office over Nazi-related remarks. The two scandals have caused tension in the ruling coalition.
Racism is a hot topic in Finland. Four right-wing extremists have been charged with plotting a terrorist attack against a minority group, with the aim of sparking a racial war.
According to observers, the above plan shows that the Finnish Government is making every effort in this uncompromising fight. Along with Finland, a number of European countries have resolutely eliminated racism. In early 2023, the French Government approved a four-year plan to fight racism, anti-Semitism and all forms of discrimination.
The plan allows victims of racism and discrimination to file anonymous complaints and increases penalties for individuals accused of discrimination. In Germany, the government also created an anti-racism agency to promote racial diversity in public sectors.
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