Feb 19 • 13:20 UTC 🇫🇮 Finland Ilta-Sanomat

Man, 35, died in police custody in Pasila – five guards are suspected of crimes

A 35-year-old man died in police custody in Pasila, Helsinki, under circumstances that are now being investigated for potential misconduct by five guards.

A 35-year-old man tragically passed away in police custody at the Helsinki police prison located in Pasila on May 27, 2024. The Central Criminal Police has concluded its preliminary investigation to establish whether the actions of the prison guards were directly related to the man's death. According to reports, there are allegations that excessive force was used for an unnecessarily prolonged period, as the restraints on the individual were not removed, despite signs that the situation had calmed down.

The case has now moved to the prosecution stage, with five guards currently under investigation for potential criminal charges, including manslaughter and negligent misconduct in office. The accused guards have denied any wrongdoing. Additionally, the investigations into two other guards and two police officers have concluded, with these individuals now being treated as witnesses rather than suspects, which indicates a shift in focus towards the primary suspects involved in the incident.

This case raises significant concerns regarding the conduct of law enforcement personnel in detention settings and highlights the critical need for accountability in such situations. The outcome of the prosecution could indicate broader implications for policing practices and detention conditions in Finland, depending on the findings and subsequent actions taken against those implicated in the case.

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