Man dies in Finland after police use stun gun during arrest

Police in Finland used an electric stun gun while detaining a man who was behaving aggressively. According to broadcaster Yle, the man did not calm down after officers arrived and continued acting aggressively toward those around him, prompting police to deploy the device. The man, who was injured, was taken to hospital, where he later died.

A prosecutor will review the police officers' actions. The police crime investigation unit at the Prosecutor General's office will assess whether there are grounds to open a preliminary investigation.

Stun guns in Finnish law enforcement

In Finland, stun guns are part of the standard equipment used by police, border guards, the prison service and customs. Finland's National Police Board has previously stated that stun guns are used only when a situation cannot be resolved by other means, describing them as an alternative to firearms.

The device can be fired remotely, releasing two electrodes connected by wires that carry a 50,000-volt charge, or used in contact mode by pressing it directly against a person's body.

Last year, the human rights organization Amnesty International called for stricter rules on the use of stun guns.