Activist leads protest against World Rally Championship events in Jyväskylä

Kaapo Riikonen, a 23-year-old environmental activist from Jyväskylä, led a peaceful protest against the World Rally Championship events with a megaphone in hand. The demonstration, organized by the climate activist group Elokapina, raised awareness about the environmental impact of the rallies. Riikonen, who participated in a similar protest two years ago that encountered hostile counter-protesters, explained that protests always come with certain risks but emphasized the importance of persistence.

The recent protest did not attract any counter-protesters and only sparked mild curiosity among passersby. Janna Peritalo, a 32-year-old activist involved with Elokapina for a couple of years, reported facing verbal hostility but remains committed to the cause. She recounted an incident where someone yelled out of a car window that she should be run over, noting that such threats are likely attempts to intimidate her but she refuses to be silenced.

Elokapina has been organizing protests against rally events for years, with two smaller demonstrations planned in Jyväskylä for the following day. Markus Häkkinen, operational leader of the World Rally events, stated that as long as Elokapina informs the police of their protests, there are no grounds for concern regarding the rallies.

While Elokapina is known for its civil disobedience tactics, including a significant protest in Helsinki this summer, Riikonen emphasized their commitment to non-violence and the necessity of their disruptive actions in addressing climate change, which they view as a crisis demanding urgent action. Both Riikonen and Peritalo have received support from their families for their activism, with both feeling a moral obligation to contribute to this urgent cause.