Supo comments on Swedish activists defacing Finnish Parliament amidst climate protest

The Finnish Security Intelligence Service (Supo) has refrained from commenting on whether it was aware of members from the Swedish climate activist group Äterställ våtmarker being in Finland. The Swedish group participated in defacing the pillars of the Finnish Parliament on Wednesday. According to Swedish television, members of Äterställ våtmarker have accumulated over a hundred criminal convictions due to their protests in recent years.

Supo does not comment on specific groups but noted they monitor sections of extreme activism that may pose a national security threat. Generally, they stated that climate movements currently do not present a serious threat to national security in Finland. Supo characterized their activities as social movements and activism that could cause local disturbances to public order and safety, a responsibility that lies primarily with local police, who work with Supo as necessary.

The intelligence service also mentioned it is keeping an eye on any changes in climate activism both internationally and nationally, particularly if such movements shift toward more radical actions. Helen Wahlgren, a spokesperson for Äterställ våtmarker, previously informed Yle that the protest at the Parliament was aimed at the Finnish company Neova’s peat extraction practices and was organized in collaboration with Finland’s Elokapina movement.

Founded in Sweden in 2022, the name Äterställ våtmarker translates to “Restore Wetlands.” The movement opposes peat extraction on the grounds that burning peat and drying wetlands contribute to climate emissions.