Police detained a 34-year-old man suspected of assaulting Krista Kiuru – investigating whether the act had a political motive. LEHTIKUVA
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Finnish MP Krista Kiuru was assaulted in Helsinki’s Kaisaniemi Park on 13 December 2024, prompting widespread condemnation and concerns over politicians’ safety. Police arrested a 34-year-old Finnish man on 14 December, suspecting him of the attack. The suspect, with a history of similar offences, was apprehended peacefully in a private residence in Vantaa.
The incident occurred on Friday afternoon as Kiuru, a Social Democratic Party (SDP) member and chair of the parliamentary social affairs committee, was collecting her child from daycare.
The assailant reportedly struck her in the face with a fist and fled the scene without explanation. Kiuru sustained injuries and sought medical attention but later confirmed on social media that she was recovering at home.
Police are investigating whether the attack was politically motivated. Tommi Lehtonen, the lead investigator, stated that authorities are still piecing together the sequence of events and that no direct eyewitnesses have yet come forward. The absence of CCTV footage of the assault complicates the investigation.
Jussi Halla-aho, Speaker of the Finnish Parliament, remarked that it was unclear if Kiuru was targeted specifically or if the attack was random. His cautious response sparked criticism from left-wing politicians, who called for a stronger condemnation of the violence. Deputy Mayor Paavo Arhinmäki and MPs Veronika Honkasalo and Aino-Kaisa Pekonen expressed disappointment over Halla-aho’s reluctance to denounce the assault unequivocally.
Antti Pelttari, Secretary-General of Parliament, described the attack as exceptional, noting that recent physical assaults on politicians in Finland have primarily targeted men. He highlighted an increasing trend of hostile rhetoric towards MPs and acknowledged the need to reassess security measures.
The assault reignited concerns over safety in Kaisaniemi Park, an area plagued by rising crime and drug-related activities. In recent months, residents and officials have reported increased violence, open drug dealing, and robberies in the park. Heikki Porola, a senior police officer, attributed the issues to longstanding problems exacerbated by ongoing renovation work, which has created narrow pathways conducive to crime.
Political leaders across the spectrum condemned the attack. Antti Lindtman, chair of the SDP, called the assault “especially abhorrent” given that it targeted a female MP and mother in broad daylight. He spoke with Kiuru after the incident, expressing solidarity and concern for her well-being.
In the past decade, physical assaults on Finnish politicians have been rare. Notable incidents include attacks on Ben Zyskowicz in 2023, Juha Sipilä in 2021, and Sebastian Tynkkynen the same year. These cases have underscored the vulnerability of public officials in an open society.
Police are continuing their investigation into the motive behind the assault on Kiuru and have pledged to conclude the case swiftly.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
