Finnish Envoy warned of inapt behavior, sexual harassment

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Finnish Envoy warned of inapt behavior, sexual harassment

Finland’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs on Wednesday issued a written warning to Ambassador Jari Vilén, Head of Mission of the Embassy of Finland in Ottawa, said the ministry in a press release.

The ministry issued the warning following an investigation into the allegations of harassment at the Finnish Embassy in Ottawa filed by its employees against the Ambassador.

The warning was issued because Vilén has not conducted himself in a manner befitting his status and duties as a public official, said the ministry.

His conduct meets the definitions of inappropriate conduct, harassment and sexual harassment, the ministry added.

The decision to issue a warning was made by Deputy Director General for Human Resources Kirsti Pohjankukka within whose mandate the matter falls.

“Issuing a written warning is a serious measure which the employer may only undertake on the grounds laid down by law. However, in this case there are no grounds for dismissal, and Vilén is not released from his obligation to work at the Foreign Ministry. The important matter is that this case is now concluded. The Foreign Ministry will continue to support the staff at Finland’s Embassy in Ottawa. The case and its handling in the public eye have been tough on them,” Pohjankukka said.

The decision may be appealed in writing to the Helsinki Administrative Court.

Earlier in March this year, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs started an investigation into the allegations of harassment at the Finnish Embassy in Ottawa filed by its employees against the Ambassador.

Local newspapers reported that some employees of the embassy submitted allegations of disruptive and inappropriate behaviors by Ambassador Jari Vilén to the ministry.

Source: www.dailyfinland.fi

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