Finnish soldier granted bail in bottle attack case

A Finnish national, recently arraigned on charges of slashing a Maltese man across the face with a broken bottle in Paceville argument, was today granted bail.

In a decree delivered in chambers, Magistrate Claire Stafrace Zammit granted the accused bail against a deposit of €1,000 and a guarantee of €20,000. The accused was also placed under a curfew.

Tatu Antero Oksanen, 33, a Finnish peacekeeper, is pleading not guilty to charges of causing grievous bodily harm to Christopher Vassallo, also 33. Oksanen was arraigned last week in connection with an argument in St Julian’s that took place during the night of 3 January, resulting in the victim being grievously injured.

Defence lawyer Franco Debono had requested bail, saying Oksanen, who is a soldier and works as a peacekeeper, would respect the bail conditions imposed upon him and his friends would act as guarantors.

Lawyers Marion Camilleri and Angie Muscat also appeared for Oksanen. Lawyer Michael Schriha represented Vassallo in parte civile.