No charges for former Haapajärvi officials over handling of abuse allegations

Prosecutors have dropped charges against Haapajärvi’s former city manager Juha Uusivirta and former education director Veikko Tikanmäki, ruling there was insufficient evidence to support allegations of official misconduct.

The investigation followed a police request by Haapajärvi city council in early 2024 into how the previous leadership handled abuse allegations against Jari Nahkala, then chair of the city board and a local school principal. Nahkala, accused of sexual abuse, died in a traffic accident before any trial.

Police examined whether Tikanmäki should have suspended Nahkala pending an investigation and referred the matter to the education committee, and whether Uusivirta failed to ensure Tikanmäki fulfilled these duties. Prosecutors concluded neither official committed an offence.