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This is not the first time the temple has been vandalised. The building is a project of the Vietnamese Buddhist Community in Finland. According to Ari Vuokko, vice president of the organisation, Buddhist families have been the target of many attacks and Friday’s act of vandalism has frightened the community.

In the wee hours of Friday night, fire was set to the walls and ceiling of the Heart of the Lotus Buddhist temple, located in Turku’s Moisio district. On duty fire chief Marko Ahtikivi said that there were clear signs of arson on the scene.

News of the arson attack reached Vuokko on Saturday morning, before he had had the opportunity to visit the scene. He speculated on the cost of the damage on the basis of photographs published on various news websites, estimating that the cost of the damage could run into tens of thousands of euros.

“The scorching is very unfortunate. There are burn marks on the ceiling of a building that’s more than ten metres high, so there must have been quite a fire going. We will have to negotiate with the building contractors and the insurance company to decide on what to do next. Will we have to rebuild the entire support structure? At least so far it doesn’t seem so,” Vuokko conjectured.

The organisation’s deputy head declared that there would be a demand for substantial compensation from the perpetrator or perpetrators, if they were found.

Finland’s first Buddhist temple has been under construction for some years, funded primarily by donations from the community. Last summer the roof was put in place, while the wooden frame and tile roof covers are ready.

“This is shocking and worrisome," said Vuokko. "Do worshippers dare use this temple; can people practice their faith in Finland?”

Recent Acts of Vandalism

Vandals have used the construction site as their playground for some time. Just weeks ago, windproofing panels on the outer walls were punctured, while a temporary altar in the building’s interior was desecrated. At the same time the perpetrators also attempted to set fire to some books. Threatening messages have also been left in the area, as recently as last Friday night.

“Swastika signs had been drawn on nearby traffic signs, creating a sinister effect. I don’t know whether this is related to the September 11 anniversary, or some kind of celebration but it feels rather threatening, and this makes me feel ashamed of being Finnish,” said Vuokko.

Vuokko said that the repeated attacks have bewildered members of the Vietnamese community, but this has been tempered with gratification at the surprising compassion displayed by well wishers and sympathisers in discussion fora.

“The compassion has really been a big surprise, but these hate crimes are entirely baffling. And unfortunately we must describe these acts as hate crimes. We have no other option but to try and inspire understanding, this has been the main Buddhist strategy to bring calm to the situation,” he said.

On Saturday community members gathered to consider what to do next. The religious community was established in 1998 by Vietnamese residents in Finland and comprises some 200 families.

Members of the public with any information about the recent incidents should contact local police at 046 628 0262.