Motorcyclists gather illegally at gas station in Raisio, Finland

According to the Southwest Finland Police, 80–100 motorcyclists gathered on Saturday at a gas station in Raisio. The riders reportedly came from areas beyond the Turku vicinity.

The police noted that there had been no prior notification concerning the gathering in accordance with the assembly law, nor were other legal obligations met. The group intended to ride around the Turku area. Law enforcement informed the event organizer at the gas station that the gathering was illegal. Nevertheless, the organizer was the first to lead the group as it set off.

The group rode from Raisio to Nousiainen and Lemun, following traffic regulations. It is likely that the ride will continue for several more hours around Turku.

“The event was intended to be stopped because the organizer had not complied with the requirements of the assembly law,” stated Commissioner Kirsi Koskinen from the Southwest Finland Police Department.

There are legal implications for the organizer, as event organizers must obtain the necessary area use permits as stipulated by the assembly law and notify the police about the event. Despite attempts to contact and guide the organizer, they failed to fulfill legal obligations.

“In addition, the organizer was required to draft an emergency plan for the public event and submit it to the local fire department at least 14 days before the event commenced,” Koskinen added.

A criminal report is being filed for violations concerning the assembly law, emergency service breaches, and defiance against the police.