President Alexander Stubb has formally revoked the honorary title of Cultural Counsellor from author Veijo Baltzar following his conviction for sexual offences. This is the first time in modern Finnish history that a presidentially granted honorary title has been withdrawn.
The decision was based on a recommendation from the honours committee, which noted that Finnish regulations allow the removal of honorary titles when the recipient receives a prison sentence exceeding one year. Baltzar was sentenced to one year and ten months by the Helsinki Court of Appeal in 2024 for two counts of sexual abuse.
The court found that Baltzar exploited his influential position to pressure young women in his theatre group into sexual acts. Several victims were students whom he manipulated and persuaded to move into his home under false pretences.
The revocation coincided with President Stubb awarding 66 new honorary titles. Officials said the severity of Baltzar’s crimes and the length of his sentence justified the removal.
Finnish President Revokes Veijo Baltzar’s Honorary Title After Sexual Offence Conviction
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