Kolmonen appeals sentence after plot uncovered at Isonkyrö school center in Finland

Evita Kolmonen, who had planned a school shooting at the Isonkyrö school center in spring, has appealed her sentence to the Court of Appeal. Her defense attorney, Anni-Leena Träskbäck, confirmed this to Yle. “We have not requested the dismissal of the penalties, but we have sought the dismissal of the charges,” Träskbäck stated.

The District Court of Ostrobothnia sentenced Kolmonen to three years and two months of imprisonment for preparing to commit a serious crime against life or health, as well as for a firearms offense. Kolmonen acknowledged that she was at the scene in Isonkyrö but claims that she renounced her plan, arguing that this should absolve her of culpability.

On March 12, Kolmonen was found on the premises of the school center in southern Ostrobothnia, armed with a pistol, ammunition, a knife, and a Molotov cocktail. However, she returned to her car and drove back to her hometown of Vaasa, where she was apprehended by the police. At the time of her arrest, the pistol was in her backpack and was loaded.

Additionally, regional prosecutor Annika Lampikoski-Nordberg is also appealing the sentence. “She believes that there were multiple offenses involved, and for that reason, the sentence should be increased—regardless of other considerations,” Träskbäck explained.

The main hearing at the Court of Appeal is scheduled for January 15–17.