Two mass fights between Finns and foreigners in Rovaniemi

Alert DateJuly 25, 2009 Country: Finland Address: Rovaniemi General Type: Racist violence Racism and discrimination phenomena: Anti-migrant/xenophobia, Inter-ethnic, Nationalism
Groups affected / Interested in: Migrants, Refugees, Muslims, Ethnic minorities, Majority, Asylum seekers Key socio-economic/institutional areas: Integration - social cohesion, Daily life
Victims Data
Victims Nationality/Ethnic Origin N/A
Victims Gender Male
Victims Age N/A
Victims Number N/A
Fatalities - deaths N/A
Perpetrators Data
Perpetrators Nationality/Ethnic Origin N/A
Perpetrator Gender Male
Perpetrator Age N/A
Perpetrators Number N/A
Extremist/Organised Group Violence No

During July 2009 residents in Ounasrinne suburb in the city of Rovaniemi have witnessed two mass fights between Finnish and foreign men. The first fight took place on 3.7.2009, with approximately 50 people present and dozens participating in the fight. Some of the men used wooden sticks as weapons.

The second fight occurred on 25.7.2009. According to the police, both of the fights were sparked by verbal abuse and insults shouted at the foreign men by the Finns. Both of the incidents had racist features and the locals felt  there had been tensions between groups of young men for some time.

The local residents' association called for a meeting between the Red Cross staff from Rovaniemi reception centre and representatives from the city and the church.

Sources:

Yle.fi: Asukkaat: joukkotappelut kitkettävä Rovaniemen Ounasrinteeltä (31.7.2009) http://yle.fi/alueet/lappi/2009/07/asukkaat_joukkotappelut_kitkettava_rovaniemen_ounasrinteelta_900403.html

Yle.fi: Rovaniemen joukkotappelut ennennäkemättömiä (31.7.2009) http://yle.fi/alueet/lappi/2009/07/rovaniemen_joukkotappelut_ennennakemattomia_900179.html