Helsinki to remove unauthorized Sell Helsinki protest sign

A protest sign criticising the commercialisation of cultural spaces and event venues has appeared on a bridge railing near Baana in Helsinki. The city says the sign is unauthorized and will be removed, Yle reports.

The sign reads “Sell Helsinki”, an ironic twist on the city’s “My Helsinki” slogan. It names Lapinlahti, Suvilahti and Lepakko among the places it objects to the city selling or commercialising.

Information at the bottom of the sign identifies the Sellsinki activist group as responsible. The group has previously put up unauthorized stickers and advertisements around the city.

Jörgen Andreasen, the city project manager responsible for removing graffiti, stickers and unauthorized notices, told Yle he had not heard about the sign before the broadcaster contacted him. He said he was not aware of similar signs or stickers by the group appearing elsewhere in Helsinki recently.

Andreasen said the posting of stickers on city property has increased somewhat in recent years. Thousands are removed annually from places including lamp posts, benches and traffic signs.