I’ve Faced Years of Criminal Prosecution — for Exercising Free Speech Rights in Europe

National Review

by Päivi Räsänen

February 15, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Päivi Räsänen, a Finnish parliament member, shared her harrowing experience of facing criminal prosecution in Europe for expressing her Christian beliefs. In 2019, she tweeted about marriage and sexuality, which led to accusations of hate speech and years of legal battles in Finland, a country often celebrated for its strong commitment to free speech. Räsänen testified before the U.S. House Judiciary Committee to warn Americans about the growing threat of censorship in Europe and the potential consequences it could have for freedom of expression in the United States. Räsänen’s case highlights the challenges faced by individuals who express religious or conservative views in Europe, where laws increasingly restrict speech deemed offensive or discriminatory. Despite Finland’s reputation as a bastion of free speech, her experience demonstrates how legal systems can be weaponized to silence dissenting voices. Räsänen emphasized that she never intended to become an activist but found herself compelled to speak out after seeing firsthand the erosion of freedoms in Europe. The implications of her testimony are significant for both Europe and the U.S. As European countries grapple with laws regulating speech, particularly on issues like gender identity and religion, similar trends could emerge in America. Räsänen warned that the EU’s approach to censorship could set a dangerous precedent, potentially influencing policies in the U.S. where free speech is enshrined as a fundamental right. This issue matters deeply to anyone concerned with political freedom and religious liberties. The case of Päivi Räsänen serves as a cautionary tale about how legal systems can shift to prioritize social harmony over individual rights. Her experience underscores the importance of vigilance in protecting free speech, especially in an increasingly polarized world where differing opinions are often met with hostility. Ultimately, Räsänen’s story is a call to action for defenders of freedom. It reminds us that even in democratic societies, censorship can creep in unnoticed until it becomes a significant threat. Her testimony urges Americans to learn from Europe’s mistakes and safeguard their own freedoms before it’s too late.

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Originally published on National Review on 2/15/2026