Twenty-one-year-old Finnish biathlete Arttu Heikkinen has been summoned to court over a hunting incident, Eurosport reports. Authorities say the athlete accidentally shot his godfather.
According to the investigation, in September 2024 Heikkinen fired at a bird but the bullet struck his relative in the eye, causing the man to lose sight in that eye.
Prosecutors have charged Heikkinen with negligence causing bodily harm and violating firearm regulations. The prosecution is seeking a €23,500 fine, revocation of the right to own firearms and confiscation of the rifle.
Heikkinen denies the charges, calling the incident an accident. A court decision is expected within two weeks. The Finnish Biathlon Association said it will set its position after the verdict is announced.
In 2024 Arttu Heikkinen won junior world championship gold in the sprint and twice finished third at international events.
