Police in Helsinki have launched a criminal investigation into the vandalism of a memorial dedicated to the late Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny.
The memorial, located in Neitsytpuistikko park near the Russian Embassy in Helsinki, was damaged by fire on Friday, only a little over a week after it was installed.
According to detective chief inspector Tommi Lehtonen, police are investigating the incident as vandalism.
Investigators are currently seeking surveillance camera footage that may have captured the act. No eyewitnesses have come forward so far.
Police have not yet approached the nearby Russian Embassy for surveillance footage, but say they are considering doing so.
"Given current world events, the memorial is, in a sense, a sensitive matter. We may also request recordings from the embassy," Lehtonen said.
He added that the investigation could take several months to complete, although it may be closed sooner if no evidence emerges.
