Closed door decision appealed in spy case

[Editor’s note 28 August 2014: Timo Kivomäki was found guilty under the Danish paragraph 108, the so-called mild espionage paragraph, on 31 May 2012. Mild espionage is defined as aiding a foreign intelligence service without directly researching for them or informing for them. He was given a five month prison sentence. A resumé of the court’s decision can be found here. He served two and a half months in home arrest and four days of community service]

The highest court of the land is to deliberate on whether the ‘closed door’ decision on the spy trial of Finnish professor holds water, according to Berlingske Nyhedsbureau.

The closed door decision was originally made by both District Court and High Court, taking into consideration Denmark’s relations with Russia. Professor Kivimäki is charged under section 108 of the Danish Penal Code also referred to as the ‘mild espionage section’ for alleged spying for the Russians.

According to Berlingske Nyhedsbureau, this is because Kivimäki receives the court’s verdict already next Thursday, 31 May.

No influence on actual trial

Even if Supreme Court finds the closed doors to be wrong, doors will not be opened at the actual trial, but the records will be released to the press, otherwise not.

The decision of Supreme Court can turn out to be important for future espionage cases. It can also turn out to be important if the professor appeals.

If Kivimäki is guilty, he risks up to six years of prison.

universitypost@adm.ku.dk

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