Finland: Rival groups to demonstrate in Helsinki to mark Independence Day Dec. 6

Event

Multiple rival activist groups plan to demonstrate in Helsinki Dec. 6 as the country marks its Independence Day. The following details have been announced.

The far-right Finland Wake-up (Suomi heraa) group plans to gather from 16:00 at the Helsinki Railway Square (Rautatientori), where they will march through Pohjoisesplanadi and Mannerheimintie to the House of Parliament. A rival demonstration by anti-fascist activists will take place in the vicinity of the march. Participants will gather in Narinkkatori from 16:30, where they will march along Arkadiankatu and Runeberginkatu to the Taivallahti Field.

University students will hold a candlelight procession from Hietaniemi to Senate Square (Senaatintori) via the city center. The march route includes Hietaniemienkatu, Arkadiankatu, Mannerheimintie, Pohjoisesplanadi, Mariankatu, and Aleksanterinkatu.

Far-right activists also plan to march from Toolontori to Hietaniemi Cemetery starting 18:00.

Independence Day events may draw large crowds. Smaller gatherings, both planned and spontaneous, are possible throughout the city. Police will deploy in significant numbers throughout the city center Dec. 6. Road closures and diversions will almost certainly be implemented, prompting significant transport and business disruptions.

Advice

Avoid all demonstrations as a routine security precaution and to mitigate associated disruptions. Leave the area at the first sign of a confrontation. Check local traffic conditions and public transport schedules for disruptions, and allow additional time to reach destinations near related events.