Roma from eastern Europe were evicted from four camps along the shore in the Kalasatama district. That followed a decision on Monday by the City Council to toughen its handling of Roma beggars. This summer has brought large numbers of people from EU member states such as Bulgaria and Romania to the city.
However the latest eviction orders did not affect the camps on the premises of the Satama Social Centre, an activity centre run by volunteers based on "anti-racist, anti-sexist and anti-homophobic principles". It is located in the Kyläsaari area, near Kalasatama.
A case concerning the fate of the camps there is pending in Helsinki District Court.