Violent Clashes Erupt During May Day Parade in Tampere
Police are investigating a suspected assault that occurred during a May Day parade in Tampere on Friday, as tensions flared between participants of the far-right Sinimusta Movement and counter-protesters. No suspects have been identified, and authorities are appealing for public assistance in the case.
Detective Chief Inspector Matti Kotisaari of the Eastern Finland Police Department confirmed that police have been in contact with the woman targeted in the attack and that she is scheduled to be questioned next week. Yle reports that the victim and a friend infiltrated the Sinimusta march carrying a banner opposing Nazis before being violently assaulted. The counter-protester sustained injuries, at least to the face, during the incident.
Footage captured by Yle shows several individuals from the Sinimusta Movement, their faces covered, attacking the counter-protester on Hämeenkatu. Police are reviewing videos of the incident that have circulated on social media and are urging the public to submit any additional images or footage to vihjeet.sisa-suomi@poliisi.fi. The attack is being investigated as an assault (Ilta-Sanomat).
Police Detain Seven, Investigate Torch Incident
Seven individuals were detained during the events on Friday—three from the Sinimusta parade and four counter-protesters—before being released later the same day (Yle). Police are also examining the use of a torch during the parade, which was reportedly used to set fire to a counter-protester’s banner. The incident is being investigated as negligent handling and minor criminal damage (Ilta-Sanomat).
The Sinimusta Movement, which was readmitted as a political party last spring, had announced its gathering in advance. Around 200 people participated in the parade, which has been openly described as racist and fascist. A similar number of counter-protesters were present, many carrying anarchist, anti-fascist, communist, and Palestinian flags, according to Yle. The Tampere Without Nazis collective, which organized the counter-protest, described itself as non-partisan but did not notify police of its plans, just as it had not the previous year. Police directed counter-protesters to Hämeenkatu during the event.
Before the parade, the far-right combat sports network Active Club announced on social media that it would participate in the march. Members of the group are known to wear black and cover their faces (Yle).