Feb 17 โ€ข 15:54 UTC ๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ฎ Finland Iltalehti

School attack occurred in Espoo, police remained completely silent โ€“ Here is the reason

A school attack in Espoo has raised questions about the police's silence, which they attribute to health privacy laws.

A serious incident occurred in September 2025 when an 18-year-old man from Vantaa attacked two teenagers of immigrant background at the Live Vocational College in Espoo with a knife. This case only came to light recently, following a court's decision that ordered a mental health assessment for the suspect. The police have since faced scrutiny for their absence in providing information to the public about the attack.

In a communication to Iltalehti, the lead investigator, Crime Commissioner Tero Tonteri, explained the police's unusual decision to withhold details about the incident. He indicated that as the investigation transitioned to the prosecution phase, the responsibility for public communication shifted to the prosecutorโ€™s office, meaning the police could no longer comment on the matter. The justification for such silence was also linked to privacy concerns, particularly related to health information.

The lack of information from the police has led to confusion and concern among the public, who are eager to understand the context and implications of the violent attack. Understanding the rationale behind the police's approach is crucial, especially in a society that grapples with issues of violence and integration of immigrant populations. This case raises significant questions about public safety, transparency of law enforcement agencies, and the balance between privacy and the public's right to know.

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