06 May 2026 16:29
Finland’s parliament has received a bill proposing stricter rules on the use of masks to conceal identity at demonstrations following clashes in Tampere during May Day rallies.
The initiative was put forward by opposition Centre Party MP Jouni Ovaska, who suggested banning participants in public events from covering their faces in a way that significantly hinders identification, Caliber.Az reports, citing Finnish media.
The author of the proposal argued that face coverings reduce accountability among protesters and increase the risk of unrest.
He cited incidents in Tampere, where clashes broke out between participants in a right-wing march and counter-demonstrators, some of whom wore masks or balaclavas.
Prime Minister Petteri Orpo and the city’s mayor have previously said that existing rules regulating the use of masks at public events may need to be revised.
Under the draft law, exemptions would be allowed for medical reasons, as well as in cases where face coverings are part of artistic or symbolic expression not linked to violence or threats.
By Bakhtiyar Abbasov
Caliber.Az
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