Protesters against Noormarkku TNT plant file criminal report against security guard

Activists opposing the construction of a TNT explosives factory in Noormarkku, Pori, have filed a criminal complaint against a security guard, they announced in a statement on Thursday.

The group, Pelastetaan Noormarkku (Save Noormarkku), alleges the guard unlawfully deprived them of liberty during their arrest last week near the factory’s construction site. According to the statement, the guard did not explain the reason for the detention and threatened the use of force.

The protesters claim they were hanging a banner outside the construction area and had not committed any illegal acts. Three activists were held in custody for 12 hours before being released.

Police have stated the trio are suspected of environmental contamination after oil was found spilled on the ground. Two of them are also suspected of possessing an item suitable for causing serious harm—allegedly a hiking knife and a multi-tool, which the protesters say they carried for camping and cutting banner ropes.

The activists deny the charges and accuse police of misleading and biased communication regarding the incident.

Forcit, the company building the TNT plant, received construction permits from Pori’s vitality and environment board at the end of June. The factory is expected to create around 70 jobs and cost approximately €200 million. The project is considered significant for Finland’s national defense and defense industry supply security but has faced local opposition.