Hearing Set for Turku, Finland, Knife Attack Suspect

Authorities in Finland have scheduled a hearing for the suspect in Fridays Turku knife attack that killed two people and wounded eight others.

The hearing for 18-year-old Abderrahman Mechkah will be held at the Southwest Finland District Court on Tuesday, YLE News reports. The suspect, who was shot in the leg by police during the attack, no longer requires intensive care.

According to the BBC, the suspect appeared to choose women as targets. The attack killed two Finnish women, as well as a British paramedic, a Swede and an Italian. The attack is being treated as terrorism.

The attack took place in the Puutori-Market Square area, and forced travelers to avoid the city center early Friday. Later that day police said that they were confident the area was safe.  

Turku is a city on the southwest coast of Finland that straddles the Aura River. It is known for a number of tourist attractions, especially Turku Castle, a medieval fortress with a history museum, the 700-year-old Turku Cathedral, which also has an attached museum, as well as a nearby scenic archipelago. The attack comes as Turku is celebrating two important events in Finland: the countrys 100th anniversary, as well as the 500th anniversary of the Reformation.

Related Stories

Second Terrorist Attack in Cambrils, Spain; ASTA Offers Aid

Record Sales for Cruise Planners; Terrorism Hasnt Affected Demand

Cruise Execs Talk Turkeys New Tourism Plan

Five Steps to Take When Talking About a Travel Disaster