Police on May Day. Photo: Vesa Moilanen / Lehtikuva
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Finnish police detained several individuals on Thursday following clashes between members of the far-right Blue-and-Black Movement and counter-protesters during a May Day procession in central Tampere.
Authorities reported that the situation escalated around Jugendtori Square when approximately 200 counter-demonstrators attempted to disrupt the Blue-and-Black group’s “White May Day” event.
The two groups threw smoke flares, objects and insults at each other. According to police, one flare was thrown toward a tent in a crowded public area but did not ignite.
Police intervened to separate the groups, using projectile launchers as part of crowd-control efforts. The device, in use since 2014, is considered non-lethal and is designed to mark individuals with paint and replicate the impact of a baton strike.
Law enforcement stated that multiple people were taken into custody, though the exact number was not confirmed. Most of those detained appeared to be counter-protesters.
The far-right group had announced its May Day procession earlier in the week and was joined by participants carrying Finnish flags and symbols associated with the extremist Soldiers of Odin. Police estimated the number of Blue-and-Black supporters at 50 to 100.
Many of the counter-protesters held banners and chanted slogans denouncing fascism. A banner at the scene read “Tampere Against Fascism.”
Police said they took steps to maintain safety due to the presence of large May Day crowds nearby in Keskustori. “The throwing of smoke flares and other objects was considered dangerous,” officers said in a statement.
The Blue-and-Black Movement previously lost its status as a registered political party in 2024, after the Supreme Administrative Court ruled its platform incompatible with democratic and constitutional principles. The group has since sought re-registration.
After the initial confrontation, the situation in Tampere’s city centre calmed, though police maintained a strong presence throughout the day. May Day in Finland is one of the busiest annual events for law enforcement due to large public gatherings and street festivities.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
