Court rejects self-defence claim in Vaasa stabbing case

A court has ruled that a man accused of two stabbings in Vaasa on Midsummer Eve could not rely on self-defence. The Ostrobothnia District Court found no doubt that he carried out the acts described in the charges, Yle reports, but will decide which crimes he committed after a mental health assessment.

The prosecution is seeking a prison sentence of up to 12 years for nine offences, including murder and attempted murder. The accused argued that he had acted in self-defence or exceeded the limits of self-defence. The court said he could have responded in another way in both incidents.

The 22-year-old stabbed a man in the chest in central Vaasa during the morning. The victim later died of his injuries. The incident followed a dispute over payment connected to drug dealing.

A third man chased the accused as he fled. After the pursuer caught up with him, the accused stabbed that man as well.

The court ordered a mental health assessment. The accused will remain in custody at Vaasa Prison while it is carried out.