Two individuals face terrorism-related charges in upcoming trial at Satakunta District Court in Pori

Two individuals are facing terrorism-related charges in an upcoming trial at the Satakunta District Court. Both are suspected of undergoing training to commit terrorist acts, while one of them is also accused of an explosives offense with terrorist intent. According to the police, there were intentions to stage a bombing attack at the Niinisalo reception center.

The proceedings will commence today with a preparatory hearing at the Satakunta District Court in Pori. The main hearing is set to begin on September 17. A total of six individuals have been charged with various offenses, including assault, aggravated assault, extortion, and firearm-related crimes, alongside numerous property crimes, amounting to 27 counts.

The suspects have primarily denied the allegations during preliminary investigations. They are mostly young men from Northern Satakunta. The charges brought by Assistant State Prosecutor Jukka Rappen are being represented by State Prosecutor Sampsa Hakala and Special Prosecutor Antti Sundberg.

The alleged offenses occurred between 2018 and 2023 in Kankaanpää. According to the Assistant State Prosecutor, many of the acts are linked to far-right, racist, and neo-Nazi ideologies, which the core members of the accused group have adopted. Investigations suggest that the suspects acquired or stole firearms, explosives, and fertilizer containing ammonium nitrate for terrorist purposes. The men reportedly trained in the use of weapons and the preparation of explosives from fertilizers, as well as tested explosives.

The investigation has been prolonged, with the police conducting their first raid on the suspects’ properties in December 2019. The terrorism suspicions became public in December 2021, leading to the arrest of five individuals; however, since January 2022, the suspects have been released.