Helsinki police coordinate with embassies amidst security concerns related to Middle Eastern conflict

The Helsinki police have been in regular contact with embassies involved in the Middle Eastern conflict, receiving active communications regarding security matters. As the host nation, Finland is responsible for the security of foreign embassies. According to Chief Superintendent Heikki Porola, the Israeli embassy has been the primary point of contact, as they face challenges in other countries.

The police are aware of investigations in Stockholm and Copenhagen related to shootings and explosions near Israeli embassies. Porola noted that incidents in other Nordic countries have not necessitated any changes to current security arrangements in Helsinki, as existing measures remain in place.

In Sweden, police are investigating an alleged shooting towards the Israeli embassy in Stockholm, where a loud bang was heard on Tuesday. Although it’s unclear where the shot originated, evidence suggests it struck the embassy building, with no reported injuries. Later, authorities confirmed the discovery of a firearm near the embassy.

Meanwhile, the Danish police are looking into two explosions that occurred near Copenhagen in Hellerup, close to the Israeli embassy. No injuries were reported in this incident either.

In Helsinki, police presence has been notably visible outside both the Israeli embassy and the Jewish synagogue in the city center. On Wednesday, while a news photographer arrived at the synagogue, a police vehicle was present. The synagogue’s security personnel checked the photographer’s intentions before allowing him to proceed. Despite the heightened tensions in the Middle East, the Helsinki police have stated that surveillance of the embassy and synagogue has not been intensified, as they have maintained oversight for an extended period. There have been protests in Helsinki since the onset of the Gaza conflict in October 2023.