Tampere stabbing reclassified as attempted murder; sentence extended by three years

The Turku Court of Appeal has significantly increased the prison sentence for a man convicted of a stabbing incident in Tampere's Keskustori square. Albert Mkrtchian, 67, who was initially sentenced last November for attempted manslaughter, aggravated assault, and violating a restraining order, now faces a harsher penalty.

The appellate court reclassified the crime from attempted manslaughter to attempted murder and extended his prison term from five years and six months to eight years and six months. Additionally, Mkrtchian must now pay €9,500 in compensation to the victim, his former partner, an increase from the initial €6,100 awarded for pain, suffering, and other temporary harm.

Court documents indicate the act was premeditated. At the time of the offense, Mkrtchian was subject to a restraining order protecting his former partner and their children. He had contested this order, but the court upheld it.

The violent incident occurred on August 9, 2025, in Tampere's central square. A four-year-old child was present during the stabbing, which also injured the woman and her new partner. Reports suggest Mkrtchian was intensely jealous of his ex-partner, who had previously fled Ukraine to Finland with her children, aided by authorities. He had reportedly been searching for her and the children for an extended period and had issued threats.