Opposing demonstrations in Helsinki on Finland’s Independence Day remained largely peaceful after police separated participants from nationalist and anti-fascist groups. An estimated 700 to 800 people joined the nationalist 612 torchlight procession, which began at Töölöntori and marched to Hietaniemi Cemetery. The Helsinki Without Nazis counter-demonstration, unregistered with authorities in advance, drew between 2,000 and 3,000 participants, according to police.

Police successfully kept opposing Independence Day demonstrations apart in Helsinki, as the 612 torch march and Helsinki Without Nazis protest drew thousands. Minor disruptions occurred, including arrests and smoke devices, but no large-scale clashes.

  • Tuukka R@piefed.eeEnglish
    3·
    2 days ago

    How is it nationalist to support a group that wants to turn Finland, a country where most people belong to a Finno-Ugric culture, and Sweden, a country where most people belong to a Germanic culture, into one national socialist country?!

    It should be perfectly clear to everyone what will happen to Finns if the Finnish national socialists ever manage to pull off this one. What is nationalist about marching in Finland in support of an extermination of Finns?

    As a human I am disgusted by fascists marching in my home city in the independence day, but I am also disgusted as a Finn by people marching against the existence of Finland, waving Finnish flags. During Finland’s independence day of all days!