Vandalism of Elias Lönnrot statue in Helsinki raises alarms within Karelian community

The defacement of the statue of Elias Lönnrot in downtown Helsinki has raised concerns among Finland’s Karelian community. The act has been claimed by an anonymous activist group known as Ruskiemustu. According to linguist Tuomo Kondie, there are worries that this incident could lead to an increase in aggression towards Karelian people.

On Monday evening, the bronze statue of Elias Lönnrot was vandalized with red paint, with the word “colonialist” inscribed in red letters on its pedestal. Later in the week, it was revealed that the Ruskiemustu group had taken credit for the act. Riina Lagerbom, chairperson of the Karelian Youth organization “Karjalazet Nuoret Suomes,” stated that the Ruskiemustu group is composed of young people living in Finland, but emphasized that her organization had no connection to the event. “Many see this as a negative development regarding the position of Karelians,” Lagerbom noted.

The act has met widespread condemnation. Kondie, who has previously been active in promoting the Karelian language and issues, remarked that the vandalism has sparked significant discussion within Karelian circles. He indicated that the majority of Karelians wish to live peacefully and promote their language and culture politically.

There is speculation in discussions that the act could be linked to hybrid operations by Russia, an assertion Kondie does not support. He argues that there would be no benefit for Russia in worsening the perception of Karelian people in Finland.

The Ruskiemustu group has accused Lönnrot of cultural appropriation in a statement shared on their website. Kondie acknowledges that opinions on the “Kalevala” vary among Karelians, with some viewing it as important and others considering it an exploitation of Karelian culture. Nonetheless, he believes calling Lönnrot a colonialist is an exaggeration, attributing his motivations to the national romantic ideas prevalent in the 19th century.