Finns Party MEP Sebastian Tynkkynen has sparked controversy after replying “cry more” on Instagram to an Iraqi-born colleague in the European Parliament who said she had never felt so unsafe in the institution.

The exchange centres on a statement about safety inside the European Parliament, but only Tynkkynen’s response has been confirmed in the source material. Yle News reported the comment on Tuesday, and the incident has quickly drawn attention because it involves a sitting Finnish MEP and a sensitive issue in EU politics.

It is not clear from the available information whether the European Parliament has commented on the exchange or whether any further action is being considered.