Lithuanian police receive two complaints over journalist’s middle-finger gesture at protest

Lithuanian police have received two formal complaints over journalist Rita Miliūtė’s public display of her middle finger during a protest against proposed amendments to public broadcaster LRT’s legal framework, LRT reports.

Vilnius police confirmed receiving the complaints late on Wednesday night, with both alleging that Miliūtė violated public order by making the offensive gesture. Under Lithuania’s Code of Administrative Offences, obscene language or gestures in public—including at events—can result in fines ranging from €30 to €140. Repeat or severe violations may also lead to a ban on attending public gatherings for six months to two years.

The first complaint, filed at 2:30 AM, came from a protest participant who claimed Miliūtė’s gesture was seen by thousands, including children and elderly attendees, and demanded she face administrative penalties. A second complaint, registered at 5:48 AM, argued the gesture was linked to sexual violence and degraded public morals, calling for Miliūtė to be barred from her professional role pending investigation.

Police spokesperson Loreta Kairienė stated both complaints would be examined. The protest, titled “Hands Off Free Speech. We Won’t Back Down,” drew an estimated 10,000 people to Vilnius’ Independence Square on Tuesday evening. Miliūtė, addressing the crowd, directed the gesture toward parliament while criticising the ruling majority’s proposed legal changes, which opponents argue threaten media independence.

“I look at the Seimas and say—yes, I, Rita Miliūtė, raise my middle finger to this ruling majority’s legal illiteracy, their zero competence to govern, and their baseless ambitions. And I want to say: you will not intimidate us,” she stated, as quoted by news portal lrytas.lt.