Asylum seeker's suicide triggers demo in Joutseno

The suicide of a young asylum seeker in a reception center in Joutseno, eastern Finland, got major media attention on Monday.

Jari Kahkonen, director of the Joutseno reception center, confirmed the incident to the Finnish News Agency, and said an investigation would be carried out.

The action group "Right to Live/Stop Deportations" reported that the young man of North African background had told other inmates he would rather die in Finland than go back to his country of origin.

He was found dead later on Sunday.

The man was inhabited in the closed section of the institution, and there was no video surveillance inside.

A demonstration was held in the center following his death. The police were called in to "ensure security", Kahkonen said.

He said health care and consultation is available to everyone who requests it, and admitted depression is common.

The Joutseno institution is a former prison. It now accommodates 30 people in the closed section and 250 in the open section. The closed section is mainly taken by those waiting for deportation.