Prostitution is both a hugely contentious issue, and a largely invisible one. Despite estimates that more than 8,000 prostitutes may be active in Finland during the course of any one year, few of us will ever see them or be aware of their presence in bars and apartments only metres from where we live and work. Many are from Russia, Estonia or as far away as Nigeria and others are Finns who have simply fallen through the cracks in society. While a number of these women are working of their own free will, and are earning good money doing so, some are effectively being used as sex slaves.

Prostitution is a complicated issue, one where every solution or theory is often contradicted by bitter truths and counter-theories. Even those who are directly involved are torn between ideological principles and the harsher realities of drug addiction and organised crime.

But as neighbouring countries adopt new forms of legislation, Finland is also under pressure to clarify its muddy laws and fi nd a solution that at least brings us closer to a practical working solution. Helsinki Times speaks to the Chair of the Legal Affairs Committee, Janina Andersson (Greens), Johanna Sirkiä of the prostitutes support network Salli, and Senior Detective Constable Maria Hietajärvi- Ryhänen of the Helsinki Police PRK unit (Pandering & Organised Crime) to hear their views.

DAVID BROWN - HT