Kokoontumisvapauden

Kokoontumisvapaus, in Finnish, refers to the right of individuals to gather peacefully and to participate in demonstrations, meetings, and other public assemblies, as well as to form and join associations for political, cultural, or social purposes. It covers both spontaneous and organized gatherings in public spaces, and typically includes the right to march or demonstrate. The right is intended to enable public discourse and civic participation while requiring participants to act peacefully.

Internationally, kokoontumisvapaus is recognized as a fundamental right in instruments such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. In Europe, it is protected by the European Convention on Human Rights. Nationally, the right is protected by the Finnish Constitution and implemented through ordinary laws and police regulations, which together define its scope and the means of its exercise within the country.

A central element of kokoontumisvapaus is its peaceful character. The right does not authorize violence, coercion, or illegal activity. It is exercised subject to limits that are necessary in a democratic society, including the protection of public safety, public order, health, morals, and the rights of others. Restrictions must be prescribed by law and must be proportionate to the aims pursued.

In practice, authorities may impose reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions, and may require notification or permits for certain gatherings or large assemblies. The balance between individual freedom and public interests is typically assessed by the courts, with emphasis on non-discrimination and accessibility to judicial remedies for those who believe their rights have been unjustly restricted.