Finland’s interior minister condemns Oulu stabbing

Finland’s Interior Minister Mari Rantanen has condemned the recent stabbing in Oulu, calling it “extremely regrettable” in a written response to Yle.

“All acts of violent crime are completely unacceptable. In Finland, everyone must be able to move safely on the streets and go about their daily routines in peace,” Rantanen wrote.

A foreign-born man was stabbed in the Kaukovainio district last Friday, sustaining serious injuries. The suspected attacker fled on a bicycle.

Rantanen stressed the importance of apprehending the suspect and urged any witnesses to report all observations to police, noting that even seemingly minor details could prove significant.

Oulu police have received public tips and surveillance footage from residential buildings near the scene. Authorities have also increased preventive public patrols in high-traffic areas and enhanced their ability to identify individuals of concern, including through online monitoring.