Around 900 people took part in two separate demonstrations in central Helsinki on Saturday, as police deployed extra officers and planned routes to prevent an antifascist march and a Blue-and-Black movement demonstration from meeting.
Police estimated that around 600 people joined the antifascist demonstration and around 300 took part in the Blue-and-Black movement march.
The antifascist demonstration, organised by Aurora Helsinki and the Varis network, left Rautatientori shortly before 14:00. The march proceeded through Kaisaniemi and Hämeentie before reaching Dallapénpuisto in Vallila at about 15:00.
The Blue-and-Black movement demonstration started from Hakaniemi shortly after 14:00 and continued through Kallio, Helsinginkatu and Mannerheimintie before reaching Kansalaistori at about 15:00.
Police said both marches followed routes agreed with organisers and did not encounter each other. Officers closed streets and directed traffic as the demonstrations moved through the city centre.
Blue-and-Black movement participants carried Finnish flags and signs and chanted slogans calling for the removal of foreigners from Finland. Helsingin Sanomat reported chants including “Finnish Finland, white Europe”, while signs included the phrase “multiculturalism kills”.
Iltalehti reported that many participants had covered their faces with black balaclavas. The newspaper also reported the presence of children watching the demonstration and said some participants carried flares and smoke devices at the rear of the procession.
Yle reported that about 35 to 40 people associated with Active Club, a far-right combat sports network, marched with the Blue-and-Black movement. According to Yle, members of the group wore black clothing and covered their faces.
Some participants in the antifascist march also covered their faces. Demonstrators chanted slogans directed against fascism and the police as the procession moved from the city centre towards Vallila.
Rain accompanied parts of both demonstrations.
An isolated disturbance took place during the event at Dallapénpuisto. Police said nobody was injured and officers had no reason at that stage to suspect a criminal offence. Police made no arrests in connection with the incident.
Police detained four people during the day to prevent offences or disturbances. Three were detained before the marches started and one during the Blue-and-Black movement event at Kansalaistori.
Both demonstrations ended shortly before 17:00. Helsinki police said the processions had proceeded well from the authorities’ perspective and that both had followed their agreed routes.
HT