…terrorist? In 1904 he murdered general governor Nikolay Bobrikov who was the symbol of Russian oppression in the Grand Duchy of Finland.
A few years ago the 100th anniversary of Finland’s most famous political murder was not officially recognized. Prime minister Vanhanen said that it was “an act of political terrorism.” On the other hand at Government Palace on the location where Schauman shot Bobrikov and killed himself, there is a memorial plaque that says “Eugen Schauman, 16th June 1904, you died for the country.”
Bobrikov was taken into an emergency surgery and according to an unconfirmed story a crowd had gathered outside of the hospital to hear the latest news. A nurse informed them from a window that “things were going in the right direction” i.e. Bobrikov was dying.
16th June 1904 is also the day when James Joyce’s classic novel Ulysses happens. The murder is also mentioned in the book.
Read more
- Helsingin Sanomat: Finland shaken 100 years ago by murder of Governor-General Bobrikov
- Eugen Schauman in wikipedia
- Nikolay Bobrikov in wikipedia
- Years of oppression (sortovuodet) in wikipedia
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