Finland's deputy national police commissioner and the police have called for an update to laws concerning the use of face coverings at public demonstrations.
Violence that broke out during a far-right march in Tampere on May Day has prompted calls for a review of laws on face coverings at demonstrations.
In a blog post, Deputy National Police Commissioner Sanna Heikinheimo said that "concealing one's identity at a protest is not conducive to safety; the law must be revised".
Currently, people are prohibited from concealing their identities in public settings if they intend to otherwise break the law.
"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," a police press release read.
"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," Heikinheimo wrote in her blog post.
