Not war!’ Finnish Trump protest

0 Protesters came in all shapes and sizes in Helsinki

ers all vied for attention from the world’s media.

In a city proud to defend the right to protest, demonstrators were scattered about. Some stayed at barriers erected by police to try to register their complaints as the world leaders sped by in armourplated vehicles for their summit at Finland’s presidential palace. Others marched by Helsinki landmarks, far away from the leaders’ gathering but in clear view of curious residents and tourists.

At the city’s Senate Square, about 20 male “pregnant Trumps” and 20 women wearing pink gags railed against a Trump order reinstating what critics call a “global gag rule” that bans US federal money going to international familyplanning groups that perform abortions or provide information about them.

Another march that drew hundreds of people displayed a mishmash of messages – some supporting German chancellor Angela Merkel and some shouting “Fascists go home!”

Some marchers questioned the legitimacy of Mr Trump’s election victory since he lost the popular vote. Another sign read: “A woman’s place is in the Resistance.”

Helsinki protesters Tina Aspiala said: “I don’t think the two people meeting today are going to care whether we are here or not, frankly.

“It’s more of a global solidarity against a lot of things that are messed up, and I think that that’s why it’s worth coming out.”

Some marchers had professionally designed banners while others scrawled slogans like “Not Welcome” or warned of a looming apocalypse.