Children should not be exposed to violent protests, warns crime reporter

Children have no place at events where there is a genuine risk of violence, writes Yle crime reporter Mari Jäntti, following an incident in Tampere where masked members of the far-right Blue-Black Movement attacked a woman during a May Day march.

During the “White May Day” event organised by the openly racist and fascist Blue-Black Movement (SML) in Tampere, a girl estimated to be around ten years old was seen shouting slogans such as “Death to Jews!” while weaving through a crowd of masked individuals giving Nazi salutes. The child, wearing a serpentine necklace and holding an ice cream, was encouraged by accompanying adults to provoke counter-protesters, even ducking under police tape to shout at them.

The girl was not the only minor present. According to Jäntti’s observations, several underage individuals attended both the Blue-Black Movement’s march and the counter-demonstrations. While children occasionally appear at such events on both sides, Jäntti questions whether these are appropriate environments for them—and who bears responsibility for assessing the risks to their safety.

This year, the threat of violence became reality. During the march, several masked men in black—allegedly linked to the far-right Active Club, known for extremist activity—assaulted a woman, with at least one kicking her in the head. Police later stated the attack took them by surprise, despite reinforced preparations.

Jäntti argues that while adults may choose to attend high-risk protests, children should never be placed in situations where violence is a credible threat. Even indirect dangers—such as falling into a crowd, being struck by a thrown object, or exposure to extreme rhetoric—pose unacceptable risks.

Last year’s May Day event in Tampere saw clashes where torches and eggs were hurled, though no serious injuries were reported. This year’s escalation underscores the unpredictability of such gatherings, Jäntti writes, urging adults to prioritise children’s safety over ideological participation.