Lithuanian police launch administrative case over protester’s middle-finger gesture

Lithuanian police have initiated administrative proceedings against Rita Miliūtė, a funeral director and protest speaker, for displaying her middle finger toward parliament during a demonstration, public broadcaster LRT reports.

The Vilnius 3rd Police Commissariat confirmed the case on Thursday, citing a minor violation of public order. Under Lithuania’s Code of Administrative Offences, obscene language or gestures in public—including deliberate acts intended to disrupt order or offend others—can result in fines ranging from €30 to €140.

Miliūtė defended her action as a response to what she called the government’s “harmful conduct” and disregard for public sentiment. “Their lies, actions against Lithuania’s interests, and self-serving behaviour demand a stronger reaction,” she told BNS news agency. “If you want a street thug to understand you, you must speak his language—and their overreaction proves they got the message.”

The gesture occurred on Wednesday during the “Hands Off Free Speech” protest in Vilnius’ Independence Square, where over 10,000 gathered against proposed amendments to the law governing public broadcaster LRT. Critics argue the changes would undermine LRT’s independence and politicise its operations.

Culture Minister Vaida Aleknavičienė condemned Miliūtė’s behaviour as “unethical,” while Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas suggested on social media that such gestures could undermine public support for critical projects, like military training grounds. Miliūtė countered that the ministers’ selective outrage ignored similar gestures from their own coalition partners during votes on national security issues.

She also criticised Aleknavičienė’s remarks as hypocritical, pointing to Milan’s L.O.V.E. sculpture—a towering middle-finger monument by artist Maurizio Cattelan—as an example of the gesture’s place in public art. “Either the minister has never visited Milan, or she walked around its Affari Square with her eyes shut,” Miliūtė said.