Seven detained in independence day demonstrations in Helsinki

Seven people were detained in a series of demonstrations staged in Helsinki on Tuesday, as Finland's 99th independence day ceremony was held in the presidential palace, local media reported.

Three of the largest demonstrations were a neo-Nazi march, an anti-Nazi demonstration, and a far-right torchlight procession respectively.

The anti-Nazi demonstration named "Helsinki without Nazis" was organized by the Varisverkosto, an anti-fascist group, the anarchist A-group, and Helsinki's youth wing of the Left Alliance.

There were nearly 3,000 people participating in the protest, according to Finnish national broadcaster Yle.

Later the neo-Nazi procession with nearly 200 people began to march through the city center.

The procession met opposition in Kaisaniemi Park, resulting in a conflict between the two groups. Two men were caught by police for violence.

Yle said that police directed both groups to Kaisaniemi Park, and hundreds of police officers formed a barrier between the two groups to avoid possible physical confrontation.

In the evening, a brawl broke out during another march where five people were arrested for harassment.

The Helsinki Police department said on Monday that they received at least ten notifications of different protests that would be staged on independence day. Endit