"Under the current legislation it seems difficult to investigate the background and motives of figures involved in hate speech, and to intervene," Risikko said, citing lawmakers' fragmented approach.
Risikko's demands for more online policing come after last week's report by the Police University College, according to which hate crimes and racism seem to be on the rise in Finland, while an overwhelming majority of cases go unreported.
The last drop, however, was the death of a 28-year-old anti-Nazi protester who was killed in a street fight after spitting at far-right members of the Finnish branch of the Nordic Resistance Movement (FRM) earlier this month. The organization is known for its opposition to non-white immigration to Scandinavia and aims at protecting the "indigenous population."
The deadly scuffle, which took place at a FRM demonstration in Helsinki, has led to calls from numerous politicians, including Prime Minister Juha Sipilä, to ban the Finnish Resistance Movement together with its radical cousins. Sipilä was supported by Risikko, who felt that extremist organizations and their symbols should be banned.
"Violence from extremist movements is a clear concern of the silent Finnish majority," Sipilä told Finnish national broadcaster Yle.
Kohta koko kulkue #Senaatintori'lla. Paikalla kaikkiaan arviolta noin 15 000 ihmistä. #pelipoikki #mielenosoitus pic.twitter.com/wyYtNsIMvQ
— Helsingin poliisi (@HelsinkiPoliisi) September 24, 2016
The death of Jimi Joonas Karttunen, who died of brain hemorrhage one week after the fight, triggered a lively response across Finland. Last weekend, numerous demonstrations against both violent racism and unhinged immigration took place in the Nordic country. On Saturday, 15,000 protesters participated in the anti-racist Peli Poikki ("Stop the game") march locally dubbed "Day of Demonstrations," with similar demos being held in other Finnish cities.
Counter-demonstrations also occurred in Helsinki. The anti-migrant Rajat Kiinni ("Close the borders") group also held a protest in the Finnish capital. Lastly, a group against same sex marriage laws was held in Helsinki.
