Finnish court orders founder of anti-immigrant news website to be arrested

A Finnish court on Thursday ordered the founder of MV-lehti, an anti-immigrant fake news website, to be arrested.

The decision will allow a European arrest warrant to be issued for Ilja Janitskin, the founder and principal owner of MV-lehti.

Ilja Janitskin is suspected of committing criminal offences including instigation of hatred against an ethnic group, unlawful threats, illegal fundraising and aggravated defamation.

MV-lehti has been accused of publishing unfounded or distorted news items. Local media has also claimed the MV-lehti backs the neo-Nazi group Finnish Resistance Movement.

Police can not question Janitskin because he is believed to be living in Spain now, according to local media reports.

(APD)