Demonstrations may cause significant traffic disruption in Helsinki
According to public information, Extinction Rebellion will demonstrate in the central area of Helsinki on the following dates and times: Tuesday, June 25th at 3:00 PM, Friday, June 28th at 3:00 PM and Sunday, June 30th at 1:00 PM.
Demonstrations may cause significant and long-term traffic disruptions in Helsinki this week. The police recommend allowing extra time for travel in the city center. The police may redirect traffic to alternative routes if necessary.
“The police always negotiate with the organiser of the demonstration to ensure that the demonstration would not cause unreasonable disturbance to other citizens. If the demonstration is carried out in significant violation of the law, endangers public order and safety, or obstructs traffic, the police may interfere with the course of the event by issuing instructions and orders or, ultimately, by ending the demonstration”, says Superintendent Heikki Porola.
The role of the police is to safeguard the freedom of expression of the demonstrators, public order and safety, and the rights of the citizens of Helsinki.
The option to interrupt or end a demonstration is always assessed case-by-case. Instructions and, if necessary, orders issued by the police, as well as the means used to enforce them, are based on an overall assessment of the situation. The police always primarily try to negotiate with the organiser to resolve the situation.