The police will tend to their general tasks on Independence day, as well, so that everyone can peacefully and safely celebrate independent Finland.
- One of the main duties of the police is maintaining public order and safety. This is to ensure that citizens feel safe, that no crimes are committed and that no one oversteps the boundaries of what is considered acceptable behaviour in the Finnish society, says Chief Superintendent Konsta Arvelin of the National Police Board.
The use of political rights is emphasised on Independence Day. Particularly freedom of speech and freedom of assembly are political rights that can be seen and heard in the form of various gatherings and demonstrations on Independence Day. Freedom of speech and freedom of assembly are also human rights, which are for example legislated in the European Convention on Human Rights.
- Freedom of speech and freedom of assembly belong to everyone. That is why they are primarily individual rights. They can also be community rights, especially if the community rights affect the individual rights. For example, an ideological association can use their freedom of assembly and hold a general assembly that is attended by members or the organisation, supporters and other people, Arvelin clarifies.
Freedom of assembly and speech can also be limited
However, freedom of assembly and freedom of speech are not unconditional fundamental and human rights. Their use can be limited separately on grounds legislated by the law.
- Usually the grounds for limitation are different cases of criminalisation or the endangerment and disturbance of general order and safety. A general assembly can for example be interrupted by the police if the instructions and orders of the police are not followed when holding the assembly. The assembly can also be interrupted if any other substantial illegal activities have been performed during the assembly, says Arvelin.
However, the primary task of the police is to protect and honour fundamental and human rights. That is why on Finland's Independence Day, the police will secure the fulfilment of peaceful freedom of assembly and speech for everyone.
- Nevertheless, the police will maintain the public order as well as safety and will intervene in incidents of disturbance, reminds Arvelin.
Action regarding abolition of Nordic Resistance Movement being processed by the Supreme Court
The action taken by the National Police Board to suspend the Nordic Resistance Movement is being processed by the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court has issued a temporary operating ban on the Nordic Resistance Movement and all association activities.
The association's visible activities, displays of flags, and assemblies are considered prohibited activities, as well. The police will intervene in prohibited association activities if necessary.
