Riikka Purra

Academics & Education

Muslim group criticises minister’s view on face coverings in schools Minister of Social Security Sanni Grahn-Laasonen (NCP) said that face coverings such as burqas and niqabs are inappropriate at Finnish schools. The head of the Muslim Forum of Finland says the discussion is overblown.

August 14, 2025   

(Yle) Since the start of the school year, Muslim students’ headscarves have become a political topic of conversation. On Tuesday, Social Security Minister Sanni Grahn-Laasonen (NCP) said in a social media post that the use of burkas and niqabs that cover the […]

Clerics & Preachers

Muslim groups condemn Riikka Purra’s ‘black sacks’ blog comment Purra's 'black sacks' comment, made in 2019, presumably referred to burqas, the full-cover garments worn by some Muslim women.

July 20, 2023   

(Yle) A total of 26 Muslim groups and organisations in Finland have issued a joint statement condemning a blog comment written in 2019 by the country’s finance minister, Riikka Purra (Finns). Purra’s comment, in Finnish but translated here in English, stated: “There […]

Clothing

Finland’s Islamic community demands government take concrete steps towards ‘zero tolerance’ of racism A total of 26 Islamic congregations and organisations signed the joint statement.

July 17, 2023   

(Yle) A group of Islamic communities and organisations in Finland have issued a joint statement calling on the government to take concrete steps towards achieving “zero tolerance” on racism. “We call on the Finnish government and especially Prime Minister Petteri Orpo (NCP) […]