Past 612 torch march on Runeberginkatu.
Credit: Hannu Häkkinen, Museovirasto
Finland’s Independence Day took an incendiary turn in Helsinki, with protests, accusations of police bias, and alleged Nazi salutes.
Helsinki, December 8 – A controversial Independence Day took an incendiary turn in the Finnish capital, with fiery protests and accusations of police bias, as well as far-right and far-left antics stealing the spotlight. The annual 612 Torch March, branded “neutral” by organisers but widely seen as a magnet for nationalist and far-right groups, collided with a counter-protest by Helsinki without Nazis – and the results were explosive.
Marching into controversy
The 612 Torch March, which snaked from Töölöntori to Hietaniemi cemetery, was overshadowed by controversy as members of far-right groups Soldiers of Odin and Active Club joined the procession. Chillingly, several participants were seen giving Nazi salutes, while one marcher brazenly declared, “Helsinki for Nazis,” before torching a banner seized from counter-protesters.
Among the marchers was Finns Party MP Teemu Keskisarja, who shared the frontlines with Tuukka Kuru, leader of the fascist Sinimusta Liike. In a pre-march speech, Keskisarja scoffed at accusations of Nazism, calling them “nonsense.”
Clashes at Töölöntori
Meanwhile, Helsinki without Nazis mounted a protest at Töölöntori, refusing police orders to relocate. The police, citing legal obligations to prioritise the first-notified annual 612 Torch March, moved in with riot squads, mounted officers, and dogs to clear the square.
Chaos erupted as 40 protesters were arrested for resisting orders and obstructing officers. Police claimed demonstrators attempted to seize equipment and even a firearm, though no suspects were caught. Protesters countered with accusations of excessive force, alleging officers elbowed participants in the throat, causing some to faint, and charged into the crowd with horses.
Media gagged, questions raised
Journalists faced a tough time covering the skirmishes, with some alleging police blocked their filming of arrests. While authorities denied any such policy, the incident raised concerns about media freedom in Finland during high-tension scenarios.
Divided opinions
The 612 Torch March reportedly drew around 500 participants, while Helsinki without Nazis mustered a crowd of 1,500–2,000. Earlier in the day, the openly fascist Sinimusta Liike held a separate rally attended by 300 people.
An unrelated incident at the Oodi library added to the day’s drama when police detained a man playing loud music in protest against the Sinimusta Liike event.
Déjà vu of the infamous 2022 demonstrations
This year’s clashes echoed the infamous 2022 demonstrations, where police arrested over 50 Helsinki without Nazis protesters. The fallout prompted the Parliamentary Ombudsman to suggest re-evaluating police use of horses for crowd control – a debate now reignited.
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