The opening ceremony of the university was unexpectedly interrupted – “You spoiled the atmosphere” – 2024-09-03 14:46:09

The opening of the academic year at the University of Helsinki was temporarily interrupted due to the protest situation. The event was organized in the university’s ballroom on Fabianinkatu. Inka Soverei

On Monday, September 2, two protestors were removed from the opening of the academic year of the University of Helsinki in the middle of the event.

Demonstrators chanted for the liberation of Gaza and Palestine and the freedom of speech for students.

Iltalehti has seen a video of the situation in which a protester shouts slogans in English. The chants call for an academic boycott and say the university supports genocide. The protester leaves the hall, escorted by a security guard.

The communication of the University of Helsinki confirms that there was a “small incident” at the opening. The university’s management does not intend to comment further on the matter.

– An embarrassing situation, describes a university alumnus who was present, a deputy judge Ilkka Malka.

Awkward and boring

According to Malka, they had just been heard at the event organized in the university’s ballroom Finland -anthem and choir performance. After that, the rector of the university Sari Lindblom the opening speech was interrupted.

According to Malka, the situation lasted about 4–5 minutes.

– To the extent that the situation was calm, no one had to be carried away.

Some types of signs were also taken away from the demonstrators. According to Malka, you were not allowed to bring extra items into the ballroom. According to Malka, the protesters sat in places that were open to everyone.

The students were removed from the premises to the hall of the ballroom, where, according to Malka, there were more protesters. The event continued according to the original plan after the protesters were removed from the hall. University management, alumni and other invited guests were present at the event.

Malka feels that the situation was very embarrassing.

– It was very confusing and boring. They ruined the atmosphere, he says.

I don’t remember anything like that

The situation spoke volumes at the coffee party, which was organized after the ballroom ceremony and the service held in Helsinki Cathedral.

– Yes, this was discussed there. We are considering whether it is appropriate to keep the doors open for the event if it is misused for such demonstrations, he says.

Malka does not remember that similar expressions of opinion have been organized at opening ceremonies before.

– It felt awkward and boring. It was such a devout atmosphere and great music, and then in the middle of the principal’s speech, we start yelling like this. It’s quite embarrassing, Malka emphasizes.

In May, the University of Helsinki announced that it would suspend all university-level exchange activities with its Israeli partners due to the conflict between Israel and Hamas.

However, opinions have been expressed before in the premises of the banquet hall building. In the fall of 2023, students gathered to demonstrate in favor of the government’s cuts to students and student welfare. At that time, the students camped and stayed in the premises of the University of Helsinki.