Elokapina demo likely to disrupt traffic in Helsinki

Elokapina (Extinction Rebellion Finland) is scheduled to organise a demonstration in Helsinki on Friday, which may cause significant traffic disruption for an extended period of time in the centre of Helsinki, police said in a press release on Thursday.

Elokapina has announced that they will demonstrate from 3:00 p.m. at the intersection of Porkkalankatu and Länsiväylä, as well as in the square at Porkkalankatu 1.

The police have informed the organizers that blocking traffic on Länsiväylä is not permitted.

Elokapina has also announced a demonstration for Sunday, in which four processions intend to march to Hakaniemi Bridge.

The processions are scheduled to start at approximately 1:15 PM. Two processions are expected to arrive via Sörnäisten Rantatie and two via Pohjoisranta to Hakaniemi Bridge, where the demonstration is expected to continue until 7 PM.

“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”, said Superintendent of Police Heikki Porola.