Jouko Kärkkäinen convicted of defamation and threats by North Savo District Court in Finland

Jouko Kärkkäinen, known online as “Pottukoira,” has been convicted by the North Savo District Court of two counts of defamation, two counts of illegal threats, and one count of minor property damage. As a penalty, he received a fine equivalent to 80 daily rates, totaling 480 euros based on his income.

The court determined that he committed these acts at least in part for financial gain during a live stream that reached thousands of viewers. The offenses took place in Kiuruvesi and Iisalmi in the fall of 2023, where Kärkkäinen directed derogatory remarks at two individuals. He also threatened these individuals with home invasion and violence, urging them to find hiding places. All incidents occurred within a live broadcast.

The minor property damage charge stemmed from an incident where Kärkkäinen took candy from multiple boxes at the Iisalmi Citymarket using his bare hands, suggesting he touched his genitalia beforehand. The store owner reported the incident, stating it also caused reputational damage and subsequently sanitized the candy display.

Kärkkäinen was ordered to pay legal costs of 4,500 euros and a total of 3,000 euros in compensation for the suffering of the threatened individuals. Additionally, he was mandated to pay the store owner 420 euros for the economic damage incurred.

Kärkkäinen acknowledged making derogatory remarks during the live stream and admitted to taking candy with his hands but denied the criminal allegations. He did not attend the main hearing and did not provide a written response, leading the court to render a verdict in his absence.

The convicted party’s name is being published due to his significant public presence related to his streaming activities, highlighting the responsibility that comes with social media influence. The conviction is not yet final.