LRT journalist denies leaving recording device at Social Democratic Party meeting

A journalist from Lithuania’s national broadcaster LRT has denied allegations that she left a recording device at a closed-door meeting of the Social Democratic Party of Lithuania (LSDP), calling the claims unfounded and clarifying her actions in a public statement.

Eglė Samoškaitė, an LRT journalist, withdrew from an initiative group organising protests against proposed legislation regulating the broadcaster’s operations. In a Facebook post, she rejected accusations that she had planted recording equipment during an LSDP council session.

“I don’t know what or when exactly the Social Democrats found, but I did not leave any recording device,” Samoškaitė wrote. She acknowledged being present at the start of the event to identify participants for potential follow-up interviews—a common journalistic practice—but denied recording or eavesdropping on discussions. “I was curious about what was happening behind closed doors, but I did not listen in or record anything,” she stated.

Samoškaitė confirmed she was asked to leave the premises before the meeting concluded, as she had a live broadcast to host. She expressed hope that the “unpleasant situation” would be resolved.

The LRT staff initiative group issued a statement supporting Samoškaitė, affirming they saw “no reason to distrust” her denial of unethical or illegal conduct. The group called on responsible institutions to investigate the matter professionally and noted that Samoškaitė would step back from protest organising efforts pending the outcome.

According to the BNS news agency, LSDP representatives claim a recording device—a pen with a built-in dictaphone—was found under a table with a long tablecloth in the meeting room, where Prime Minister Ingrida Ruginienė and Seimas Speaker Juozas Olekas were present. The device was handed over to the State Protection Department. LRT administration has denied any wrongdoing by its journalists covering the event.