Appeal court upholds biathlete Arttu Heikkinen’s hunting conviction

Rovaniemi Court of Appeal has largely upheld biathlete Arttu Heikkinen’s convictions for aggravated negligent bodily injury and a hunting offence, Yle reports.

Heikkinen, 22, accidentally shot his godfather with a shotgun during a hunting trip in Hyrynsalmi, in the Kainuu region, in September 2024. The shot hit the man’s upper body and head, leaving him blind in one eye.

Heikkinen denied the charges, saying the shooting was an accident. He said his hunting companion had left their agreed route and was out of sight behind trees. The district court found that Heikkinen should have acted with greater care and convicted him in August last year.

A conviction for aggravated negligent bodily injury automatically leads to the revocation of firearm permits. The conviction is therefore likely to end Heikkinen’s biathlon career, Yle reports.

Heikkinen has represented Finland at the Biathlon World Championships. He has also won a junior world title and two junior world bronze medals.