Sit-In Protest Persists at University of Helsinki’s Main Building

The University of Helsinki’s Director of Facilities and Properties Marita Rovamo and Vice-Rector Kai Nordlund addressed students on Thursday in the vestibule of the University’s Main Building.

“There are no plans to remove the occupiers from the Main Building. The sit-in has proceeded calmly with a common understanding, and no security issues or damage has occurred. Moreover, we support the students’ views, and the University leadership understands the occupiers’ concerns about the livelihood of students,” says Vice-Rector Kai Nordlund.

In its objectives for the government programme, the University of Helsinki has already demanded that students be provided with support, such as social benefits, that makes it possible to concentrate on studying, graduate without delays and successfully move on to professional life.

Daily negotiations have been conducted with the occupiers on the use of facilities and general safety.

“We want to ensure the safety of everyone on the premises. The occupiers have been asked to clean the lobby and cloakroom area so that the facilities are accessible and can be safely used,” says Director of Facilities and Properties Marita Rovamo.

On Thursday, 28 September, the Great Hall of the Main Building is reserved for an event of several hundred participants organised by the National Defence Course Association. Due to safety and security reasons, the premises have occupancy limitations, and the exits must be left unobstructed.

At no point has the Office of the President of the Republic of Finland or the organiser of the event, the National Defence Course Association, presented any demands that the demonstration be relocated elsewhere.