Govt mulls life sentence period without parole

The Justice Ministry is examining the possibility of life term imprisonment without parole, reported National broadcaster Yle.

The issue came under consideration after the Minister of Justice, Antti Häkkänen called for tougher punishment for serious crimes.

Häkkänen in an interview with Finnish language news consortium Lännen Media opined that the government should bring change to the provision for life term imprisonment. He pointed out the possibility of introducing the life sentence term without parole.

This type of sentencing would be available for the most egregious cases, such as those regarding acts of terrorism, said the report, quoting the minister as saying.

The life term imprisonment in Finland is 14 years and a convict may be eligible for release after 12 years.

The life term imprisonment without parole, however, contradicts the European Convention on Human Rights.