Finnish police probing New Year’s Eve sexual assaults

Men of ‘foreign origin’ accused of string of sexual assaults in Scandinavia and Germany

By AP 14 January 2016, 4:18 pm Edit

A woman holds up a sign reading "Sexists and racists are assholes-everywhere" while taking part in a demonstration against violence against women in front of the cathedral in Cologne, western Germany, on January 9, 2015 (Roberto Pfeil/AFP)

HELSINKI, Finland — Helsinki police say they are investigating seven cases of suspected sexual assault and harassment of women on New Year’s Eve by men who reportedly appeared to be of foreign origin.

Detective Superintendent Teija Koskenmaki-Karaharju says the alleged cases, in and around a central square in the Finnish capital, have been reported by victims and witnesses.

She said Wednesday that the suspected perpetrators groped or tried to force themselves sexually on women.

Koskenmaki-Karaharju said investigators weren’t sure if the cases were linked, but added that such cases weren’t unusual when people are partying “and lots of alcohol is involved.” No arrests have been made.

The reports come after a string of attacks on women in Cologne, Germany, on New Year’s Eve which were largely blamed on foreigners.