Immigrants express safety concerns in Oulu amid recent violence

Some immigrants in Oulu express concerns that the city has become more unsafe, citing a lack of adequate action from local authorities despite ongoing discussions. Over the summer, two stabbings occurred in Oulu, with foreign-born victims, which police suspected were racially motivated. Recently, a young person with an immigrant background was stabbed in the Kastelli neighborhood, but authorities have indicated that a racist motive is not suspected in this instance.

Anthony Rice-Perttunen, an American who has lived in Oulu since 2008, believes the city has become less secure. While he hadn’t witnessed violent acts until this year, he feels the atmosphere has shifted. He notes that younger immigrants with different skin colors or those who wear hijabs face a significantly heightened risk of being targeted.

Rice-Perttunen serves on the city’s immigrant council and reports that there are multiple instances illustrating a tightening atmosphere in Oulu. He has shared video testimony highlighting the nature of these incidents. Fellow immigrant Angelique Tuomivaara, a Filipino who has lived in Oulu for nine years, echoes these sentiments, recounting experiences of racial harassment, including catcalling and offensive gestures. Despite these challenges, she doesn’t want to live in fear, stating her desire for a normal life for herself and her children.

Police statistics do not show an increase in violence against foreign nationals or a rise in harassment cases, according to Markus Kiiskinen, head of crime prevention for Oulu police. He acknowledges, however, that not all incidents are reported and calls for a stronger response from authorities regarding the issues immigrants face. He also emphasizes the importance of providing adequate support and preventive measures to address the underlying societal issues contributing to violence.