Refugee comes under attack in Helsinki

An asylum seeker was attacked with gas spray in his face at the demonstration site in downtown Helsinki, local media reported on Monday.

According to police, the victim was a 20-year-old man. The incident occurred after a verbal dispute between immigrant protesters and local people on Sunday evening, according to a Finnish language daily Helsingin Sanomat.

Petri Juvonen, detective chief inspector from the Helsinki Police Department, told the daily that the quarrel happened when the victim and some other asylum seekers went to the toilet, located at a corner of the Helsinki Railway Square, but they were prevented by a group of Finnish men.

As a result, the victim was sprayed with unknown gas in his eyes, and the male attacker fled the scene.

The police are now investigating the case.

Iraqi and Afghan asylum seekers have protested against the Finnish immigration policy at the Helsinki Railway Square for more than one month.

Right-wing groups have staged several protests against refugees in the city center of Helsinki, calling for cleaning up the camp.