LRT journalists stage protest at board meeting over proposed legal changes

Journalists from Lithuania’s public broadcaster LRT disrupted a board meeting on Thursday to protest against proposed amendments to the broadcaster’s governing law, with a lighter sparking a symbolic “moment of silence” in the session, LRT.lt reports.

The board had included the issue of on-air silent protests—used by journalists to oppose the legal changes—as an agenda item. While administrators were invited to explain the demonstrations, a group of employees attempted to enter the closed session. Board chairman Mindaugas Jurkynas declared a recess, insisting the meeting remain private.

Board member Deimantas Jastramskis opposed discussing the protests, arguing journalists have a right to express dissent under Lithuania’s Public Information Code. “Choosing the form of protest is their right,” he stated, dismissing cost concerns as secondary. He estimated roughly half the board criticises the silent protests, though no formal vote had been taken.

Indrė Makaraitytė, head of LRT’s Investigations Unit and a protest organiser, called the board’s move “pressure on journalists.” She noted no formal invitation was issued to staff, who had independently notified administrators of their action. “We don’t need permission to protest—we’re fulfilling our duties,” she said, adding the board had not previously engaged with journalists on the issue.

The protests began last year as LRT staff inserted brief silences into broadcasts to oppose legislative changes they argue threaten the broadcaster’s independence. The amendments, debated in parliament, have drawn criticism from media professionals, legal experts, and academics. Jurkynas previously stated the meeting aimed only to “hear” journalists, not impose restrictions.

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