Memorial to Navalny vandalised in Helsinki's Ullanlinna – police investigating perpetrator
Helsinki police are investigating who damaged Aleksei Navalny's memorial, which was unveiled in June, with burn marks.
Memorial to Navalny vandalised in Helsinki's Ullanlinna – police investigating perpetrator
Helsinki police have launched a criminal investigation into who damaged Aleksei Navalny's memorial, which was unveiled in early June. The act is suspected to be criminal damage.
The work, located near the Russian Embassy, showed signs of burning last week. The wooden bench is painted with red feet that form the letter H, which refers to the letter N in Cyrillic script – the initial letter of Navalny's surname.
The investigation chief, detective inspector Tommi Lehtonen of Helsinki police, says that police are seeking to trace the perpetrator. At present, there is no information as to whether there were any witnesses at the scene.
Police are investigating whether camera footage can be found in the area. Material from the Russian diplomatic mission operating nearby has not yet been requested, but cooperation is being considered.
"This is a sensitive matter in light of international events, but we may request recordings from them as well," Lehtonen says.
The investigation's duration depends on whether evidence is found. It could take several months or conclude quickly if no evidence is obtained.
Behind the memorial is the Initiative for Resistance and Dialogues association. Its head, Nikita Kirillov, has said that the organisation wants the city to install a surveillance camera in the area.
Source: Yle
Source: Yle Uutiset