Inmate survives near-fatal attack after guard allows assailant into his cell

A Finnish inmate narrowly escaped death after a fellow prisoner slashed his throat with a broken mirror shard in a September 2024 attack at Kylmäkoski Prison, an investigation by public broadcaster Yle’s MOT programme reveals. Surveillance footage and court documents show the assault began after a guard granted the attacker access to the victim’s locked cell.

The victim, identified only as Kari, was drinking morning coffee with his neighbour—a routine they shared daily—when the neighbour later returned to his cell, smashed a mirror, and used the shards as weapons. The guard, who had observed the neighbour’s cell in disarray, allowed him into Kari’s cell to retrieve nicotine pouches before an escort to the prison clinic. Moments later, the neighbour stabbed Kari repeatedly in the neck, severing a major vein.

Prison staff intervened after hearing the struggle, deploying pepper spray and restraining the attacker. Kari survived after emergency surgery for life-threatening injuries, including a deep neck wound. The attack left lasting physical scars and severe psychological trauma, with Kari experiencing nightly flashbacks and difficulty being near others.

Kari questions the prison’s responsibility, noting that the attack would not have occurred if the guard had followed standard procedures. Kylmäkoski Prison’s unit chief, Katja Kirilov, acknowledged the guard’s failure to conduct a thorough assessment before granting access but declined to comment further on the decision. “The guard made a judgment and acted accordingly,” Kirilov said, adding that prisoners generally receive support after such incidents.

Following the attack, Kylmäkoski Prison updated its guidelines on cell visits. Kari, who has since been transferred and later reincarcerated for prior offences, says he has received no apology or explanation from the prison.