Finnish police investigate swastika flag displayed in residential garden in Lappeenranta

Police in southeastern Finland are examining whether a crime has been committed after a swastika flag was flown in the yard of a detached house in Lappeenranta, Yle reports.

A reporter from the public broadcaster confirmed the flag was visible on Tuesday afternoon. Southeast Finland Police Commissioner Harri Horttanainen said officers had visited the property to assess the situation.

“Police are investigating whether there are grounds to suspect a crime,” Horttanainen stated, adding that a preliminary offense report would likely be filed and an investigation launched. The potential charge under consideration is incitement against an ethnic group.

The first report about the flag was received on Monday, with several additional notifications arriving on Tuesday morning. According to Horttanainen, the complaints specifically noted that the flag had been placed in a publicly visible location, clearly seen by outsiders.