Worries grow among immigrant communities in Oulu after reported attacks (original) (raw)

Police are investigating two separate incidents in which foreign-born residents were targeted in Oulu within the space of a month.

People walking as part of a demonstration in Oulu city centre.

Pictured here: An anti-racism demonstration in Oulu's Kauppurienaukio Square on 19 June 2024. Image: Janne Körkkö / Yle

Concerns about safety have increased among some of Oulu's immigrant communities following two reported incidents involving foreign-born residents in the city in recent weeks.

In the first case in April, a man was suspected of carrying out an unprovoked attack in the Raksila district, striking a pedestrian with a knife to the upper body while riding a bicycle.

In a second incident in the same area on Saturday 9 May, police received reports of a man on a bicycle approaching a woman of foreign origin and allegedly striking or pushing her from behind. The woman was not injured.

Police said they are investigating whether the two incidents are linked.

Growing concern in immigrant communities

Holly Conolly, chair of the Oulu Immigrant Council, said the number of contacts received by the council had increased temporarily following the incidents.

She said concerns raised include whether children can safely walk alone to school, and that residents have been sharing information in social media groups about which areas feel safe or unsafe.

"It's heartbreaking that people even have to think about this. All these people have chosen to live in Oulu and make it their home. They shouldn't have to live with that kind of fear," Conolly said.

Markus Kiiskinen of the Oulu police noted there has been no broader increase in violence targeting foreign-born residents.

According to Kiiskinen, there are fewer than a hundred reported hate crimes in Oulu each year. He said the most common motive is racism, although cases can also be linked to factors such as sexual orientation or religion.

Trust in authorities

Conolly also said that many incidents of racism and discrimination experienced by people with foreign backgrounds are not reported to authorities.

"Many people of colour are very worried and their sense of security has been shaken. The situation will not improve overnight," she said.

She added she hopes police will strengthen trust with immigrant communities, for example through more visible patrols in central Oulu, public discussion events and increased dialogue.

Finland's first anti-racism support center opened in Oulu in November 2025.