Gas Attack on Helsinki Pride Parade

Alert DateJuly 3, 2010 Country: Finland Address: Helsinki General Type: Racist violence Racism and discrimination phenomena: Extremism - organised Racist Violence, Homophobia
Groups affected / Interested in: Majority Key socio-economic/institutional areas: Culture, Daily life
Victims Data
Victims Nationality/Ethnic Origin Finnish
Victims Gender Female, Male
Victims Age <17, 18-25, 26-35, 36-45, 46-55, 56-65
Victims Number 80
Fatalities - deaths N/A
Perpetrators Data
Perpetrators Nationality/Ethnic Origin Finnish
Perpetrator Gender Male
Perpetrator Age 18-25
Perpetrators Number 3
Extremist/Organised Group Violence Yes

Helsinki police took three young men into custody on 3 July 2010 suspected of launching a pepper spray and smoke flare attack at the Helsinki Pride festival. Dozens of people in the parade were exposed to the gas, which caused breathing difficulties and dizziness. There are about 80 plaintiffs. No one was seriously injured, however, some of the victims were children.

Helsinki police officer Kari Aaltio said that the attack seemed to be meticulously planned.

“First the perpetrators released smoke over the parade. Then they went around the block and attacked parade participants with the spray. At least two types of gases were used. The perpetrators were dressed in black.”

   
The suspects come from different communities, including Espoo and Mikkeli. The Security Police (SUPO) reports that at least some of them have had links with extreme right-wing groups.

Source:

Yle.fi: Gas Attack on Pride Parade "Premeditated" (4.7.2010) http://yle.fi/uutiset/news/2010/07/gas_attack_on_pride_parade_quotpremeditatedquot_1806450.html

Helsingin Sanomat: Police question six suspects over gas attack against July gay rights event (5.8.2010) http://www.hs.fi/english/article/Police+question+six+suspects+over+gas+attack+against+July+gay+rights+event/1135259105848