Police detained several Helsinki ilman natseja protesters at Töölöntori in Helsinki on Independence Day, 6 December 2024. Police also ordered the demonstration to end. Some protesters resisted the police. LEHTIKUVA
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A protest organised by Helsinki without Nazis (Helsinki ilman natseja) on Finnish Independence Day ended with 41 arrests and accusations of police misconduct. Authorities denied the claims, stating officers faced violence during attempts to disperse the crowd. The demonstration, held in response to the far-right 612 torch march, highlighted tensions over policing priorities and freedom of assembly.
The events unfolded at Töölöntori, Helsinki. The 612 torch march, linked to far-right networks, had reserved the square. In accordance with Finnish law, the police prioritised the group that had submitted its notification first. Helsinki without Nazis, a coalition of anti-fascist groups, gathered at the same location despite police orders to relocate.
During the dispersal, police reported that some protesters resisted officers by kicking, hitting, and pulling equipment. Ylikomisario Patrik Karlsson defended police actions, stating, “We asked them to move. When they refused, we had to intervene. Some participants used violence against police.” He added that authorities did not injure protesters, contrary to claims.
The organisers of Helsinki without Nazis issued a statement expressing deep disappointment, accusing police of excessive force. The group alleged that officers pushed demonstrators with their elbows, causing two people to faint. They also claimed mounted police rode through the crowd.
“This sends a troubling message about the police’s priorities,” the statement read. The organisers characterised their protest as peaceful and accused the police of favouring the far-right marchers.
Police denied the accusations. Karlsson stated that authorities tried to find an alternative protest site but received no cooperation from the organisers. He emphasised that all groups have equal rights to demonstrate, saying, “We are tasked with ensuring public safety and upholding the law. Our role is not to judge anyone’s agenda.”
The police reported that most arrests were for obstructing officers or resisting orders. Some individuals were detained for allegedly attempting to seize a police firearm. Most were released later that evening.
Tensions were heightened by the presence of far-right elements within the 612 march. Participants included members of Active Club and Soldiers of Odin, groups known for nationalist and anti-immigrant views. Journalists on the scene reported seeing individuals performing Nazi salutes. Police intervened when some marchers burned signs left by counter-protesters.
The Helsinki without Nazis demonstration drew an estimated 1,500 to 2,000 participants. The 612 march attracted around 500 people, while the Sinimusta Liike’s “Suomi herää” rally earlier in the day had approximately 300 attendees.
An incident at Helsinki’s Oodi library further contributed to the day’s confrontations. Police detained a man who played loud music in protest against the Sinimusta Liike event. Officers stated he refused to leave when asked.
Media freedom also came under scrutiny. The Finnish News Agency STT reported that police prevented one of its journalists from filming an arrest. Police later stated there was no policy against filming such events.
The events at Töölöntori echoed similar incidents in previous years. In 2022, police arrested over 50 Helsinki without Nazis protesters after they refused to disperse. Following a review of that incident, the Parliamentary Ombudsman found no fault with police actions but recommended reassessing the use of police horses in crowd control.
The day’s confrontations reignited debate on balancing public order with the right to protest. Police maintained they acted within the law, while organisers of Helsinki without Nazis remained critical of what they described as selective enforcement.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
