Fiches Belges: Finland

Is this measure possible in your Member State under International Judicial Cooperation?

Yes. Hearing suspects in pre-trial investigation and in court. The person is questioned either by a police authority or by a judge, depending on the request. The request may be executed following a particular procedure specified in the request.

International legal framework applicable for this measure in your Member State

Directive 2014/41/EU of 3 April 2014 regarding the European Investigation Order in criminal matters. MLA 2000 Convention.

* receive the request/decision for judicial cooperation

Pre-trial stage: National Bureau of Investigation. Trial stage: District Courts

* execute/recognise the measure (if other than the receiving authority)

Pre-trial investigation: investigator-in-charge, customs and frontier guard authorities. Trial stage: the court

Accepted languages for the request/decision

N/A

Deadlines for the execution of the request/decision (where applicable)

N/A

a. Special requirements

N/A

b. Other useful information

Before the interview in pre-trial investigation a suspect is informed of his procedural status and of the offence of which he is suspected. At the request of the suspect a third person acting as a witness shall be summoned to be present during the interview. In court proceedings, after the opening statements, a detailed discussion, including the taking of testimony, follows and the proceedings culminate in closing remarks by the parties. A person not speaking Finnish or Swedish has a right to an interpreter free of charge.