Volunteer street patrols linked to neo-Nazi groups have emerged in several Finnish towns in recent months claiming to protect locals from what they call “Islamic intruders”, a trend the Finnish government condemned on Thursday.
“There are extremist features to carrying out street patrols. It does not increase security,” Finnish Interior Minister Petteri Orpo said in an interview with national broadcaster YLE.
“Volunteers have no right to use force,” he added.
Unarmed groups of men, most identifying themselves as “Soldiers of Odin” in reference to an ancient Germanic and Scandinavian god, have been seen patrolling in at least five different towns where reception centres for newly-arrived asylum seekers have recently opened.
There have been no reports yet of incidents between the civilian patrols and migrants.
Some patrol groups have been photographed by local media clad in black jackets and hats marked “S.O.O” for Soldiers of Odin. ...
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