Trial ends over New Year’s Gulf of Finland cable damage

A trial over cable damage in the Gulf of Finland on New Year’s ended with closing statements at Helsinki District Court, Yle reported.

Prosecutors are seeking prison sentences of at least two and a half years for the captain and boatswain of the cargo ship Fitburg, charging them with aggravated criminal damage and aggravated interference with telecommunications. Both men deny the charges.

The hearing also addressed whether Finland has criminal jurisdiction in the case. Prosecutors say it does; the defence disagrees.

The court ordered the defendants not to travel until it delivers its verdict.