Arhinmäki said the city will specify its rules and procedures to prevent provocations such as the one organised in Central Library Oodi in Helsinki on Monday by Sinimusta Liike. The openly fascist and racist party organised what it dubbed a “literature circle,” prompting people who oppose its ideology to swarm the library and ultimately police to shut down the event.
“These kinds of unpatriotic forces tried already on independence day to hijack the celebrations from us patriotic people. It’s clear as day that we can’t give any space for these kinds of things. We have to specify our procedures,” he said to Helsingin Sanomat.
Libraries, similarly to any other city-owned facilities, must not be used for activities that violate the principles of equality and non-discrimination.
Arhinmäki said Sinimusta Liike has taken advantage of a loophole in the wording of the rule by convening as private individuals rather than a group. Had the organisation asked for permission to hold the literature circle, the library service would have denied it.
“If you issue a notice about an event you’re holding, it’s an event regardless of whether or not you’ve booked the facility,” he added.
Juha Ahonen, the director of culture and leisure at the City of Helsinki, told Helsingin Sanomat on Monday that such events must not be allowed in future, stressing that the city has to identify measures to prevent the far right from convening in libraries.
Firmer measures are required, agreed Arhinmäki. He said stakeholders have already discussed the issue in an unofficial capacity and viewed that the necessary specifications can be agreed without initiating a formal political process.
Helsingin Sanomat reminded that the city has both a fairly broad foundation and a long list of responsibilities to lean on in its efforts to combat discrimination. Not only is the city is bound by the municipalities act, the non-discrimination act and international human rights treaties, also its decision-makers have an obligation to actively promote the realisation of equality.
Aleksi Teivainen – HT
