612 march sparks clashes, arrests, and Nazi salute accusations

Independence Day demonstrations in Helsinki concluded with police detaining 40 counter-protesters and accusations of extremist symbolism within the 612 torch march. The day featured high tensions between the far-right 612 torch procession and the Helsinki without Nazis (Helsinki ilman natseja) counter-protest. The 612 torch march, which organisers claim to be politically neutral, started from Töölöntori and proceeded to Hietaniemi cemetery.