Harassment incidents reported at Pride event in Savonlinna, Finland

Last weekend, a Pride event celebrating equality in Savonlinna was marred by incidents of harassment from a group of teenagers. Police have received a report claiming that youths aged 12 to 16 threw stones, hurled insults, and subsequently fled the scene on bicycles. Stones were reportedly thrown towards items such as strollers.

Witnesses noted that the size of the group varied, ranging from a few to about ten participants, and included both boys and girls. Pinja Rahikainen, responsible for communications for the rainbow event, observed the youths and has filed a police report in conjunction with other event organizers and a woman who was victimized during the incidents. Another nearby attendee was struck on the back of the head with a laptop, with the assailant escaping afterward. The victim felt unwell later.

According to Police Commissioner Jari-Matti Korhonen from the Eastern Finland police, some suspects have already been identified in the report. The investigation into the minor assault is progressing swiftly, as police work to identify the perpetrators.

Rahikainen mentions she has also reached out to the principal of the school attended by the youths involved. She expressed concerns about safety, noting discussions in a local Facebook group raised fears about bringing children to the event.

Despite these troubling incidents, the Savonlinna Pride parade had positive moments, including a stop in front of the town hall. This year, the city of Savonlinna celebrated the event by raising a rainbow flag, a decision that narrowly passed a city council vote earlier in September. Additionally, an ongoing investigation relates to a 2022 incident where individuals unlawfully replaced a Finnish flag in the city’s park with a rainbow flag.