Charges brought against Porvoo Cathedral arsonist and accomplices

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The young man suspected of the arson attack against the Porvoo Cathedral will face charges of aggravated destruction of property. The man turned himself in to the police at the end of May.
      Charges will also be brought against the other two individuals, a young man and a young woman, who turned themselves in with the main suspect. They will be charged with aggravated concealment of a crime.
     
The trial is to commence in two weeks' time, and three days plus one reserve day have been allocated for it. The lengthy processing time is provided in anticipation of an abundance of evidence.
      There are half a dozen plaintiffs in the case, the parish owning the church being the most important one.
      Porvoo Cathedral burned in May. Although the fire destroyed the church's roof in its entirety, thanks to the clever fire rescue efforts the interior of the church was saved, and only suffered minor damage. The church's gable ends also remained intact.
      The Cathedral, a major Finnish cultural icon, was built in the 15th century. It has burned before, in 1708, when Porvoo was taken over by Russian troops.
      The task of restoring the building began almost immediately, and visitors to Porvoo this summer have seen the Cathedral draped in tarpaulins and a large white canopy as work continues.


Previously in HS International Edition:
  Three young people come forward and admit lighting Porvoo Cathedral fire (1.6.2006)
  Major fire severely damages Porvoo Cathedral (29.5.2006)

Helsingin Sanomat