Govt vows to stop youth violence in Helsinki

Media reports on the street violence by a youth network in Helsinki drew attention of the high-ups of the government and the police administration on Tuesday.

A leading Finnish language daily, Helsingin Sanomat, on Tuesday published a report on a youth network of 100 to 150 teens comprising both ethnic Finnish and foreign background, who are engaged in violent confrontations occasionally in the Helsinki City and snatch valuables and goods from people.

Following the report, Prime Minister Sanna Marin and Interior Minister Maria Ohisalo vowed to take measures against the violence.

The prime minister in a Twitter post said that violence of the youth gangs against the people must be taken seriously and it should be addressed now to stop before worsening of the situation.

“We must fight violence and prevent its causes. The streets must be safe for everyone,” said Marin in the Twitter post written in Finnish.

Terming the phenomenon as not new, Interior Minister Maria Ohisalo said she had already discussed the issue with the police and other organisations.

The minister in a twitter post wrote that she had already discussed it with the police, youth outreach workers, social workers, and NGOs.

She said the target is to improve the wellbeing of the youths who show criminal tendencies and to support them so that they avoid harmful activities.

According to the newspaper report, the youth group particularly try to confront other young people in Helsinki City Centre and other parts to steal high-end designer products like Louis Vuitton belts and Moncler jackets.