On Monday afternoon a large environmental protest in central Helsinki disrupted rush hour traffic and delayed public transport services.
Published: 09/06/25 | 19:17
The demonstration was organized by Elokapina, which is the Finnish branch of Extinction Rebellion. It is calling on the government to halt excessive deforestation, enhance biodiversity protections and cut back on environmentally damaging subsidies.
Hundreds of Elokapina members and supporters gathered at Senate Square before marching to Mannerheimintie which is Helsinki’s main road.
By around 5:00 p.m. police had detained approximately 50 demonstrators who refused to comply with orders to vacate the area. Authorities had instructed protesters to leave the intersection near the Opera House at Mannerheimintie and Helsinginkatu due to severe traffic congestion.
Police reported that the protest was significantly affecting public transportation. HSL, which is the Helsinki Regional Transport Authority, said that several bus routes were delayed and expected the disruption to continue until at least 5:00 p.m.
Officers had previously warned that they were prepared to detain individuals who disobeyed police instructions. Some protesters were seen being physically removed from the roadway with Yle journalist Ulla Malminen reporting that the detainees were placed on a city bus.
Elokapina stated that its protest would continue in Helsinki for at least three days. As of Monday about 1,500 people had signed up to participate with around 400 indicating they were willing to face arrest.
