Parliamentary ombudsman receives complaint over police conduct at far-right event in Tampere

A private individual has filed a formal complaint with Finland’s parliamentary ombudsman over police actions during a May Day event and march organised by the far-right Sinimusta liike (Blue-Black Movement) in Tampere, public broadcaster Yle reports.

The complainant has asked the ombudsman to investigate whether police fulfilled their legal obligations to protect citizens’ lives, health, and safety during the event. They also request an assessment of whether police can ensure security at similar future gatherings if participant and bystander safety cannot be guaranteed in practice.

Around 200 people attended the openly racist and fascist group’s event, while roughly 300 counter-protesters were also present. A group of masked marchers from Sinimusta liike assaulted a young woman, Tytti Hynninen, on Hämeenkatu street. Police are investigating the incident as aggravated assault, with video footage capturing the attack.

The assailants, described as young men dressed in black with covered faces, were not intervened against effectively by police or security staff, according to the complaint. Authorities have yet to identify the masked suspects.

The Central Finland Police Department stated today that public order and safety were successfully maintained during the demonstrations.

The far-right Active Club network, whose members also wear black and conceal their faces, had announced participation in the march prior to the event.