Protesters against TNT plant released by police, deny oil spill allegations

Police have released three protesters detained on Wednesday for opposing the construction of a TNT explosives factory in Noormarkku, Pori, after holding them for 12 hours, Yle reports.

The activists, part of the group Pelastetaan Noormarkku (Save Noormarkku), deny allegations of spreading oil in the area, claiming the oil was already present before their arrival and may have originated from construction machinery.

The group, which describes itself as environmental activists, also criticizes arms production and Finland’s withdrawal from the Ottawa Treaty banning landmines. They argue that the factory poses a greater environmental threat than the oil spills, increasing the risk of major accidents, altering water management, drying out forests and bogs, and harming wildlife.

Forcit, the company behind the project, received construction permits from Pori’s vitality and environment board last week. The factory is expected to create around 70 jobs and cost approximately €200 million. It is considered significant for Finland’s national defense and defense industry supply security.

Four objections to the permit applications were submitted by local environmental groups and individuals. Police have not yet commented on the progress of the investigation.