Far-right demonstrators attack counter-protester at May Day rally while police detain victim

New video footage shows the moment a counter-protester was assaulted by far-right marchers in Tampere before being taken into police custody, while the alleged attacker was allowed to leave, Yle reports.

The incident occurred during May Day demonstrations when members of the far-right Sinimusta movement attacked the victim, identified only as Veikko, who was participating in a counter-protest. Police confirmed they detained Veikko “to prevent disturbances” under the Police Act, while the suspected assailant continued marching.

Veikko told Yle he and a friend were holding anti-far-right signs under bus shelters in Tampere’s central square when the Sinimusta march passed. After he blew a horn at the demonstrators, one marcher approached to complain about their signs. Shortly after, around ten marchers allegedly assaulted them.

“Someone punched me in the face, my sign was taken, and my horn was broken. Then one of them kicked me in the chest, and I fell to the ground,” Veikko said. He later threw a broken piece of the horn at his attackers before police intervened—detaining him while the assailant walked away.

Police told Yle the situation was “very fast,” making it difficult to immediately identify perpetrators. “It’s different to review what happened later from video,” said Mikko Masala, chief of Central Finland Police. Authorities are investigating three separate assaults linked to the rally, including this case and another where masked Sinimusta marchers attacked a young woman.

Veikko, who suffered bruises and chest pain, was held in a police cell for four hours. He criticized the police response, stating officers witnessed the violence but detained him instead. Four individuals have since filed complaints with the Parliamentary Ombudsman over police conduct during the demonstrations.