Biathlete Arttu Heikkinen to receive verdict today after accidentally shooting hunting companion
Originally published in Yle on August 26, 2025
Finnish biathlete Arttu Heikkinen is scheduled to receive a verdict today at the Kainuu District Court in a case stemming from a hunting accident last September. During a hunt, Heikkinen fired at a bird but struck his hunting companion instead, causing the companion to lose vision in one eye.
Prosecutors charged Heikkinen with aggravated causing of injury and a hunting offense. Heikkinen maintains that he did not act negligently and that the incident was an accident.
At 21, Heikkinen is regarded as one of Finland’s most promising biathletes. He competed for Finland at last season’s Biathlon World Championships.
