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08.01.2016

Statement: Vigilante justice is a threat to internationalisation and public safety

The Student Union of the University of Eastern Finland (ISYY)
Statement

Statement: Vigilante justice is a threat to internationalisation and public safety

The Student Union of the University of Eastern Finland (ISYY) is concerned for the safety of its members and the students of the University of Eastern Finland since a group calling itself ‘Soldiers of Odin’ started patrolling the streets of Joensuu. The group in question has stated that it fights for a white Finland and white Finns which clearly is cause for great concern in an international, university city. For the public image of Joensuu, a city striving to project an international image, this presents an unfortunate return to the 1990’s, when many Joensuu residents were afraid of rampant racism. ISYY does not believe that the general public will feel any safer with a group, many of whose members have been convicted of crimes, patrolling the streets. The protection of the safety of the general public should solely be the responsibility of authorities, not private organisations or groups.

There are a great many exchange students and foreign master’s degree students here at the Joensuu campus of the University of Eastern Finland. A significant proportion of these students wish to integrate into Finnish society and live here. Soldiers of Odin’s activities present a threat to our students and to the mental and physical well-being of their friends and relatives. No one should have to be afraid for their safety in Joensuu — or anywhere else — regardless of their background.

More information:

Juho Ikonen
Chairman of the ISYY’s Executive Board
The Student Union of the University of Eastern Finland (ISYY)
044-5768400
puheenjohtaja@isyy.fi

Anna-Kristiina Mikkonen
Secretary General
The Student Union of the University of Eastern Finland (ISYY)
044 576 8417
paasihteeri@isyy.fi