Finland: Multiple Journalists Face Police Obstruction During Far-Right March Coverage
December 6, 2024 - Finland, Helsinki
On December 6, 2024, several journalists and photojournalists faced obstruction from police while covering the far-right 612 March and counterdemonstrations in Helsinki. Among those targeted were women journalists who reported being pushed, restricted, and harassed while attempting to document critical events.
Vilma Ikola of Helsingin Sanomat (HS) reported being obstructed at the Hietaniemi graveyard. Police officers prevented her from moving alongside the 612 March and pushed her towards the counterprotesters. Despite identifying herself as a journalist and offering to present her press card, police dismissed her credentials.
Aliisa Uusitalo of the Finnish News Agency (STT) experienced similar treatment. While attempting to photograph a detention scene where counterprotesters lay on the ground in defiance of police orders, Uusitalo was told to stop photographing and to move away.
Jecaterina Mantsinen, also of STT, was prohibited from accessing the road while photographing another detention on Runeberginkatu. Police officers extended their arms to block her path and ordered her to remain on the pavement.
For a country ranked 5th globally in press freedom, Women Press Freedom expects higher standards of conduct from Finnish law enforcement toward journalists. While we acknowledge the police's responsibility to maintain order in volatile situations involving protesters and counterprotesters, this does not grant them the right to obstruct the press. We call on the Helsinki Police to investigate these incidents thoroughly, hold the responsible officers accountable, and ensure that such violations against journalists do not occur again.
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