Daily Finland
The Police proposed revising the legislation banning face coverings at demonstration. Deputy National Police Commissioner Sanna Heikinheimo made the proposal in her blog said that concealing identity at a protest is not conducive to safety and the law must be revised, said an official press release on Tuesday. The proposal came after the events at the May Day demonstrations in Tampere sparked wide-ranging debate. Concealing face is incompatible with the values of an open and safe society. The law as it stands prohibits a person from disguising their identity at a gathering in a public place if their intent is to commit an offence. In practice, however, the interpretation of the law concerning “clear intent” is challenging for the police, as it requires advance proof of a plan to commit a crime. Concealing ones identity is linked to certain fundamental rights, such as the freedom of speech and the right to self-determination. At the same time, however, it can encourage illegal activity and jeopardise the safety of others. One persons right to cover face cannot take precedence over the rights of others, such as their personal safety. “The current legislation on face coverings needs to be revised. Participating in a protest while wearing a mask has no place in an open and safe society. Openness requires the courage to stand by your words and show your face," said Heikinheimo in her blog.
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