Police suspect arson after Kemi support group’s clubhouse burns

Police suspect arson after a clubhouse used by a Kemi association that supports low income residents was destroyed by fire, Yle reports. The fire broke out at around 10pm on Tuesday in Kemi’s Karihaara district, and police are investigating it as aggravated criminal damage.

The approximately 50 square metre building stood at the old Karivaara market square on Tornionkatu. Owned by the City of Kemi, it served as the clubhouse of AM Karihaara, an association that provides peer support and companionship, particularly for local men.

Active members met there for morning coffee every day. The association had planned to hold a public 10th anniversary celebration at the clubhouse this Saturday, but the event has now been cancelled.

“I have just been removing the event notices from shops,” said Jukka Ruonansuu, a member of the association’s board.

AM Karihaara has also supported low income residents in the area by distributing funds collected from its members. Ruonansuu said the association had planned to donate money to people in need through social services from the proceeds of this weekend’s celebration.

AM is short for Alan Miehet. The registered association has more than 100 members from across Finland.

“Who had such a strong hatred for us?” Ruonansuu said. The clubhouse had previously been vandalised and burgled, but the association had recovered its belongings. “This cannot be brought back,” he said.

Anyone with information about the fire can contact police at [email protected], by leaving a message at 0295 466 259, or via WhatsApp at 050 415 5803.