The nationalist 612 torch march in Helsinki on Independence Day, 6 December 2024. The organisers claim the march is politically neutral, but in previous years it has attracted nationalist and far-right groups. Independence Day demonstrations in Helsinki concluded with police detaining 40 counter-protesters and accusations of extremist symbolism within the 612 torch march. The day featured high tensions between the far-right 612 torch procession and the Helsinki without Nazis (Helsinki ilman natseja) counter-protest. The 612 torch march, which organisers claim to be politically neutral, started from Töölöntori and proceeded to Hietaniemi cemetery. Among its participants were members of the nationalist Soldiers of Odin group and the international far-right network Active Club, identifiable by their attire. Several participants made Nazi salutes during the march, reported journalists on site. Finns Party MP Teemu Keskisarja marched at the front alongside Tuukka Kuru, chairman of the openly fascist Sinimusta Liike. In his speech before the march, Keskisarja stated, “Those who call us Nazis are speaking nonsense,” urging attendees to set aside political divides for the day. Keskisarja’s decision to participate drew criticism, but his party leadership did not impose sanctions. Before the 612 march began, counter-protesters from Helsinki without Nazis gathered to oppose the procession. The police, citing prior notification laws, ordered the counter-protest to relocate to Taivallahden square. Organisers refused, and the demonstration proceeded at Töölöntori. Clashes ensued as police, including riot units and mounted officers, cleared the square. Some counter-protesters resisted, leading to 40 arrests for disobeying orders and obstructing officers. Police reported attempts to seize equipment, while counter-protesters accused officers of excessive force. Some participants were reportedly struck in the throat with elbows, causing fainting.
via helsinkitimes: 612 march sparks clashes, arrests, and Nazi salute accusations
siehe auch: Police release most Independence Day demonstrators A total of 41 people were arrested in Friday’s protests that also saw demonstrators making Nazi salutes. The majority of Independence Day demonstrators have been released, according to Helsinki Police on Saturday. Those still in custody are suspected of violent resistance against an official. According to the police, these suspects allegedly kicked and hit police and pulled on their equipment. The police are also investigating an incident where a protester attempted to seize an officer’s service weapon. (…) The far-right 612 procession also drew activists from outside of Finland, such as the Swedish branch of the anti-immigrant Soldiers of Odin. Balaclava-wearing Finnish members of the international far-right network Active Club were also spotted among those carrying torches. Individual members of the procession made Nazi salutes at Töölöntori as well as during their procession — an event also attended by Finns Party MP Teemu Keskisarja; Police criticised after clashes with Helsinki without Nazis protesters. A protest organised by Helsinki without Nazis (Helsinki ilman natseja) on Finnish Independence Day ended with 41 arrests and accusations of police misconduct. Authorities denied the claims, stating officers faced violence during attempts to disperse the crowd. The demonstration, held in response to the far-right 612 torch march, highlighted tensions over policing priorities and freedom of assembly. The events unfolded at Töölöntori, Helsinki. The 612 torch march, linked to far-right networks, had reserved the square. In accordance with Finnish law, the police prioritised the group that had submitted its notification first. Helsinki without Nazis, a coalition of anti-fascist groups, gathered at the same location despite police orders to relocate. During the dispersal, police reported that some protesters resisted officers by kicking, hitting, and pulling equipment. Ylikomisario Patrik Karlsson defended police actions, stating, “We asked them to move. When they refused, we had to intervene. Some participants used violence against police.” He added that authorities did not injure protesters, contrary to claims. The organisers of Helsinki without Nazis issued a statement expressing deep disappointment, accusing police of excessive force. The group alleged that officers pushed demonstrators with their elbows, causing two people to faint. They also claimed mounted police rode through the crowd. “This sends a troubling message about the police’s priorities,” the statement read. The organisers characterised their protest as peaceful and accused the police of favouring the far-right marchers.