Swedish police detain Finnish activist protesting peat extraction

Swedish police have detained a Finnish activist involved in a protest against peat extraction by the Finnish state-owned company Neova in Grimsås, Sweden. The activist is currently in custody and facing potential deportation to Finland, according to reports from Sverige Radio.

The demonstration targets Neova's peat harvesting activities on the Grimsås bog. The environmental group Återställ Våtmarker, which focuses on wetland protection and advocates for a ban on peat use, is leading the protest. Since the activists began their actions, which include sowing seeds on the bog, blocking ditches, and obstructing machinery, 68 criminal complaints have been filed against 30 individuals involved.

Återställ Våtmarker stated that 12 people were initially apprehended, with one remaining in custody pending deportation. This is the same activist movement that previously gained attention in September 2024 for dyeing the columns of the Finnish Parliament building in protest against continued peat extraction. The group describes its methods as "peaceful resistance."

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The purpose of the demonstration is to stop the Finnish state company Neova's peat extraction in Grimsås.

The protest has also seen participation from the environmental group Elokapina. The Finnish Parliament reported that repairs for the vandalism at the Parliament building cost approximately 25,000 euros. Prosecutors have filed charges of aggravated property damage and violation of a protected building against ten individuals, with court proceedings set to begin in January.

Återställ Våtmarker has declared its intention to continue its campaign against peat extraction in Grimsås throughout August. This marks the third consecutive summer the group has occupied the bog, aiming to achieve a ban on peat harvesting in Sweden.

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The group uses 'peaceful resistance' as a means to achieve its goals.