As Finland observes Independence Day amid coronavirus restrictions, police say they are on the lookout for violations of rules, including demonstrations or other events with more than 10 participants.
Most of the nation’s six Regional State Administrative Agencies have banned public gatherings and events due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Surveillance will be stepped up especially in central Helsinki, Tampere and Jyväskylä, which are all under tight restrictions.
Traditional marches– which in some years have led to street clashes between right-wing and leftist groups in Helsinki and Tampere – have been cancelled, but police say there has been chatter on social media about some possible gatherings.
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“We will intervene in them. We’ll consider our response according to each situation,” Helsinki Police Department Commissioner Patrik Karlsson told Yle.
“If necessary, people will be removed and the area will be emptied. We have a range of response methods. I certainly think that people understand this situation now.”
Last year police estimated that about 1,750 people took part in two right-wing marches in Helsinki – outnumbered by some 2,700 counterdemonstrators.
No word on big parties
Meanwhile Karlsson says police have not heard about any large private parties in the capital region.
“At least so far we have not received information about celebrations being arranged,” he said.
The same goes for Tampere – "at least we haven’t been invited to any," said Deputy Police Chief Antero Rytkölä.