Police in the Åland Islands have opened a preliminary investigation into the vandalism of the Russian consulate, Finnish police said on Thursday. The day before, the Russian Foreign Ministry had reported an attack on the diplomatic mission in the town of Mariehamn.
According to the police, unknown persons damaged the mailbox and the windows. The Russian side reported that an explosive device and other objects were thrown into the territory of the consulate.
The attack took place late in the evening of Sunday 30 April. Police reportedly immediately attended the scene and searched the immediate area for suspicious people.
According to law enforcement, the consulate’s mailbox was demolished from its stand and a bottle of beer was thrown into the building, following which the window was smashed. The police have inspected the crime scene and are continuing the investigation.
The police authority has personal data on the people who were discovered during the search and who could be involved in the damage, according to the press release. However, it is clarified that during the investigation, not a single suspect in the crime has yet been identified. No other information was disclosed.
Earlier, the Russian Embassy in Helsinki sent a note to the Finnish Foreign Ministry demanding that steps be taken to bring those responsible for the attack on the Russian consulate in the Åland Islands to justice. Finnish Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto confirmed receipt of the Russian note and said the matter was under investigation. The Åland Islands are an autonomy within Finland.
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