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Erkki BackmanFinnish publicist
Date of Birth: 18.05.1971
Country:  Finland |
Content:
- Johan Beckman: Finnish Sociologist and Publicist
- Academic Career
- Controversial Publications
- Ban on Teaching at Helsinki University
- Other Works
- Current Activities
Johan Beckman: Finnish Sociologist and Publicist
Early Life and EducationJohan Beckman was born in 1971 into a family of Finnish-Swedes. He received his doctoral degree in political science from the University of Helsinki in 2006, specializing in organized crime in Russia and Estonia.
Academic Career
After completing his doctorate, Beckman became a lecturer at the University of Turku. However, the university terminated his contract in 2009. Subsequently, he held teaching positions at the University of Helsinki as an associate professor of sociology of law and at the University of Joensuu as an associate professor of criminology.
Controversial Publications
Beckman gained prominence for his articles on Russia's relations with Finland and the Baltic states. In 2007, he published "Satan Arrives in Helsinki: The Murder of Anna Politkovskaya and Finland," which suggested that the journalist's assassination was orchestrated to discredit Russian President Vladimir Putin.
In 2013, Beckman's book "The Bronze Soldier: Background and Content of the Monument Dispute in Estonia" sparked controversy. The book addressed Estonian collaboration with Nazi Germany and the Holocaust in Estonia. It was criticized by Estonian officials and public figures, who accused it of promoting anti-Estonian propaganda.
Ban on Teaching at Helsinki University
In 2012, the University of Helsinki prohibited Beckman from teaching, a decision upheld by the Helsinki City Court. The university stated that Beckman's views did not represent the institution's official position on Estonian history.
Other Works
Beckman has also authored numerous works on Finnish-Russian relations and Finnish military history. He established a publishing house, the Johan Beckman Institute, in Saint Petersburg in 2000, which produced books on military history.
Current Activities
Beckman continues to write and publish articles on social and political issues. He has also been involved in projects related to criminal justice, social welfare, and the European Union.
