Lithuanian social democrats claim hidden recording device found at closed meeting, LRT journalists deny allegations

The Lithuanian Social Democratic Party (LSDP) has accused an LRT journalist of leaving a recording device at a closed party council meeting, a claim denied by the public broadcaster’s reporters, LRT.lt reports.

LSDP leader Mindaugas Sinkevičius stated that a recording device—disguised as a pen or marker—was discovered at the start of the meeting, suggesting it was left deliberately. “We were holding a private discussion, wanting to speak openly and discreetly without media scrutiny,” he said on LRT’s morning show Nauja diena. “But as soon as the meeting began, we found a recording device. I believe it was not left by accident.”

Sinkevičius claimed the device could have illegally captured conversations involving top officials, including the prime minister and the speaker of parliament, raising legal and ethical concerns. The party is preparing to file a police report to investigate the incident.

LSDP MP Mindaugas Katelynas alleged in a Facebook post that an LRT journalist had entered the meeting room, sat among participants, and left behind a pen containing a hidden microphone capable of recording or transmitting audio. He suggested the act could constitute a criminal offense under Lithuania’s penal code, including unauthorized collection of private information.

LRT responded with a statement asserting that its journalists present at the meeting “deny any unethical or illegal actions.” The broadcaster said it expects law enforcement to clarify the situation and dismiss any doubts.

Eglė Samoškaitė, the LRT political news journalist who covered the meeting, told Delfi.lt she was unaware of the reasons behind the accusations. “Mindaugas Sinkevičius has previously asked if I was in the party’s chat groups or listening to their live meetings. It seems I’m a constant suspect,” she said.

The LSDP council meeting was held to discuss coalition negotiations, preparations for an extraordinary congress, and upcoming municipal elections.