Police in Helsinki have questioned six young men on suspicion of using pepper spray and smoke flares in an attack against the Helsinki Pride gay rights parade in Helsinki on July 3rd.
The suspects have been questioned, but none of them are still in custody.
The head of the investigation, Petri Juvonen of the Helsinki police, says that the suspects, who are all about 20 years of age, planned the attack in advance, and worked in collusion to carry it out. He would not say if the suspects had admitted their involvement.
The suspects come from different communities, including Espoo and Mikkeli. The Security Police (SUPO) reports that at least some of them have had links with extreme right-wing groups.
Dozens of people in the parade were exposed to the tear gas, which caused breathing difficulties and dizziness. There are about 80 plaintiffs, who are also being interviewed by police. The investigation is expected to take several months.
