Kokoomus leader faces rape charges

A leader of Kansallinen Kokoomus (National Coalition Party-NCP) has been accused of rape charges, local media reported on Friday.

The Prosecutor Office filed the rape charges with Helsinki District Court against Kokoomus leader Matia Pajula, a Councilor of Helsinki City Council.

Pajula in a blog post, however, denied the charges brought against him.

The Kokoomus leader was elected as a Councilor in the 2021 municipality elections.

He is also the Chairperson of the board of the Helsinki Regional Transport Authority (Helsingin seudun liikenne – HSL).

He was also included in the ongoing four-party negotiation talks to form the government led by Kokoomus.

Pajula also served as the Chairman of the Kokoomus youth front in 2020-2021 term.

Earlier in July 2022, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) investigated into allegations of inappropriate behavious to women by then Kokoomus lawmaker Wille Rydman.