New details emerge in Rovaniemi sword attack: victim mistaken for another man

New information has come to light about a sword attack in Rovaniemi earlier this month, with prosecutors revealing the victim was mistaken for someone else, Finnish broadcaster Yle reports.

The attack, which occurred on March 13, left the victim with serious injuries. According to a prosecutor’s decision not to press charges against one suspect, four individuals arrived by taxi in central Rovaniemi shortly before the assault. Moments later, one of them struck the victim with a katana-style sword outside the Pisto restaurant on Korkalonkatu street.

The weapon used was a katana, a type of sword commonly associated with samurai. Such swords can be purchased from specialised online retailers.

Three individuals now face charges of attempted murder, while a fourth has been cleared of involvement. Prosecutors determined that while this individual was present at the scene, they did not participate in the attack and had no prior knowledge of the planned assault.

The suspects, aged 20, 30, and 38, will appear in Rovaniemi District Court in two weeks. Both the victim and the man he was mistaken for are listed as injured parties in the case.