Amnesty International accuses Finland over Israeli defense purchases

LONDON, May 23 (YPA) – Amnesty International Secretary-General, Agnes Callamard, said on Friday that Finland is violating its international obligations through the purchase of defense equipment from Israeli occupation, criticizing ongoing military cooperation between the two sides.

Her remarks came after a meeting with Finnish President Alexander Stubb in Helsinki, where she questioned Finland’s alignment between its declared human rights positions and its defense partnerships.

Callamard stated that Finland should reconsider whether it wants to tie its defense systems and strategies to a country accused of violating the rights of millions of people for years.

She described the continued defense deals as problematic and said they place Helsinki at odds with international law.

The Amnesty International chief also argued that the ongoing war in Gaza amounts to genocide, while others may classify it as crimes against humanity, adding that continued military cooperation with Israel represents complicity amid the ongoing conflict.

Finland recently faced criticism after hosting an Israeli defense delegation during a military technology and defense industry event on May 15.

Observers said the visit reflected the depth of military cooperation despite accusations against Israeli forces related to the war in Gaza.