“The authorities and the marginalised youths are locked in daily battle in the society, and the general malaise at times grows into riots,” says Mika Aaltola, Global Director for a Global Security research programme at the institute.
This opinion is echoed by Risto Heiskala, Director of the Institute for Social Research at the University of Tampere. Heiskala says that the poor relationship between the police and the population has created an environment in which a possible mistake on part of the police triggered discontent.
“The riots are partially brought on by conflicts of ethics, and economically disadvantaged areas are more sensitive to such conflicts,” Heiskala notes.
Aaltola says that the riots in London have drawn participants with quite different intentions under the same banner.
“Images of the riots may be stimulating, so someone decides to join on that basis. Others see an opportunity to improve their situation,” Aaltola explains.
Riots have rocked the UK for three nights now, spreading from London to other major cities — Birmingham, Bristol and Liverpool. The violence broke out after a group of demonstrators convened to protest a police shooting of a 29-year-old man in Tottenham, north London.
Foreign Ministry advises caution
The Finnish Embassy in London has advised travellers to exercise caution following the riots.
A Foreign Ministry travel advisory says tourists should avoid rioting mobs and areas of unrest.
