Fiches Belges

Notwithstanding secrecy provisions, the police have a right to obtain from an authority or a body assigned to perform a public function any information necessary to carry out an official duty, unless disclosing such information or using it as evidence is prohibited or restricted by law. In relation to a criminal investigation, a police or customs officer has the right to obtain from a private organization or person any information to prevent or investigate an offence. Legally privileged or confidential information may pose restrictions for the production of documents. A court may, if it deems it necessary, order a person who is under the obligation to produce a document, to comply.

EIO MLA 2000 Convention

National Bureau of Investigation District court when the case is pending in court. Police or customs authority during pre-trial investigation.

Finnish, Swedish or English

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The Act of the Openness of Government Activities regulates access to public documents. The principle of openness in Finnish government states that official documents are in the public domain unless specifically stated otherwise. Everyone is entitled to information from a public official document. Official documents denote documents issued by authorities as well as documents otherwise in their possession. Technical recordings are also included. However, authorities may not grant access to a secret document. The law lists more than thirty types of documents that fall under the category of secret documents. In general, also confidential documents may be turned over to foreign authorities. In addition, there is a separate act of law regulating publicity in courts. The principle of publicity applies to documents and proceedings.