Air Force commander charged over misconduct

The commander of the Finnish air force general Sampo Eskelinen and former commander of the Carelia Wing unit of the air force colonel Markus Päiviö have been charged for military misconduct, national broadcaster Yle reported.

Päiviö is suspected of "improper behavior" and "improper treatment of his subordinates" during a maneuver in Lapland in September 2017, and Eskelinen is suspected of not initiating the investigations "without delay". Charges against Paivio also include alleged defamation.

The defence forces told the media on Tuesday that Eskelinen will continue in his duties for the time being. "A review of possible measures on him has been started," Max Arhippainen, information director of the defence forces said. He did not say how long it would take.

Päiviö was transferred to other duties from the wing commander position in February 2018, but remains on active duty.

Due to the high rank of the officers, the case is processed at the Helsinki High Court. No court date has been reported. Under Finnish law, the charges will become fully public when the trial begins.

Both Eskelinen and Päiviö have denied the charges.