The Studio pub in the city of Turku (Southwest Finland) was the scene of a mass brawl in the early hours of Saturday in which 20-30 people were involved. According to the police, some of the participants were carrying knives.
The Southwest Finland Police Department said in a statement on Saturday that the fight began at around 1:30 am in the bar, located on Linnankatu Street. People who were part of "two or more groups" participated in what the police believe was "a settling of scores."
Many police patrols came to the place, and they proceeded to empty and close the restaurant.
Police said they were not aware of any serious injuries and criticized the pub's security arrangements, which they described as "completely inadequate given the circumstances."
According to Southwest Finland police, an investigation into the events is underway, including a review of the establishment's alcohol license.
People 'of foreign origin'
The pub where the fight took place is owned by businessman Jethro Rostedt.
In a post on his Facebook page, Rostedt pointed out that a "massive fight" was caused by "groups (of people) of foreign origin". He also said the violence was sometimes directed against the staff working at the bar.
The businessman, who was interviewed by various Finnish media on Saturday, also criticized that no one reported that the people involved in the fight were of foreign origin, although he had said so.
In Finland, the topic of crime or inappropriate behavior by people of foreign origin has become something of a taboo in recent years. Many Finns complain on social media that the authorities deliberately hide information about some events when the people involved are foreigners, to avoid further criticism of government policies.
