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USU: Two complaints filed over police actions during Independence Day protests

One of the complaints alleges that the Helsinki police used excessive force against an elderly individual during a protest.

 Riot police detain protesters.
Police detained participants of the Helsinki without Nazis protest near the Töölöntori Square on Independence Day. Image: Benjamin Suomela / Yle
  • Yle News

Two complaints have been filed with Finland's Parliamentary Ombudsman regarding police actions on Independence Day, reports news group Uutissuomalainen (USU).

One of the complaints alleges that Helsinki police used excessive force against an elderly individual during a protest. The complaint doesn't specify the location of the incident.

The other complaint claims that the police force was disproportionate during a Helsinki Without Nazis protest held on Independence Day. The complaint also accuses police of obstructing a journalist from doing their work near the Töölöntori Square.

On Independence Day, a Helsinki Without Nazis protest was held to oppose the annual far-right 612 march, leading to clashes between protesters and police. Four individuals are suspected of violent resistance against the police.

Earlier, video footage shot by Yle during demonstrations on Independence Day in Helsinki showed what appears to be a police officer hurriedly escorting a protester away from the scene, causing an elderly man to fall to the ground in the process.