Mart Helme used Alo Mattisen's song in political advertisement without permission

A political advertisement video appeared on EKRE deputy chair Mart Helme's Facebook page in June 2026, featuring the song "Isamaa ilu hoieldes" by Alo Mattisen without authorization from the rights holder. The video was removed after an ERR journalist made an inquiry. The rights holder, Mariita Mattisen, confirmed that she has never permitted Mattisen's songs to be used by any political party or campaign.

A political advertisement video was published on EKRE deputy chair Mart Helme's Facebook page in June 2026, featuring the iconic song "Isamaa ilu hoieldes" by Alo Mattisen in the background. No permission was sought from the rights holder. After an ERR journalist made an inquiry, the post was removed from social media.

Rights holder: permission was not granted

Mariita Mattisen, who manages the copyright of Alo Mattisen's works, informed ERR in writing that she does not permit these songs to be used for any political party or campaign. She explained that such requests have been made before, but she has always declined them to avoid linking the songs to politics or specific political parties. Mattisen added that even if the post is later deleted, the damage may already have been done by that point.

EKRE parliamentary faction advisor Aarne Mäe responded in writing, stating that according to his information, the video appeared on Mart Helme's fan page rather than the party's official channel, and confirmed that the clip has since been removed.

Helme: was unaware and feels no guilt

Mart Helme himself explained to ERR that since he does not personally manage that Facebook page, he was not aware of the use of Mattisen's song. He added that he would not have known who to ask for permission or where to obtain it. Helme noted that he does not feel guilty, since his own songs are also used constantly without permission, and therefore in his view the situation should not be made a major issue.

Copyright experts: the law is clear

Mati Kaalep, executive director of the Estonian Authors' Union, explained that to use music in political and commercial advertising, permission must be sought directly from the author or rights holder. "If it is advertising, whether commercial or political in nature, permission must be sought directly from the author of the work," Kaalep said.

Kaalep stressed that using a work without the author's consent is illegal. The author has the right to demand both removal of the work from the advertisement and compensation for damages. "Authors may have various claims, which are not limited solely to having that particular musical work removed from the advertisement," he added, also pointing to potential violation of honour and dignity.

Mart Helme's Facebook page has over 9,000 followers and includes his official contact information.