Lithuanian court begins trial of six foreigners accused of terrorism plot

A court in Šiauliai has begun hearing a high-profile terrorism case against six foreign nationals, all of whom deny the charges, LRT reports.

The Šiauliai Regional Court launched substantive proceedings on Thursday in a closed session, examining allegations of involvement in an organised terrorist group, financing of terrorist activities, and a failed 2024 arson attack in Šiauliai. Enhanced security measures were implemented for the hearing.

Prosecutors presented the indictment, but none of the six defendants admitted guilt. The court set a schedule for evidence examination, with witness testimony—including 10 witnesses—expected to begin at the next hearing. All participants, including the accused, attended in person, with no recusal requests filed.

The case involves a Spanish citizen (J.L.A.), a dual Spanish-Colombian national (A.F.R.D.), a Russian citizen (E.O.V.), a Cuban citizen (Y.L.C.), a Colombian citizen (C.A.L.D.), and a Belarusian citizen (M.B.). Investigators allege they belonged to an organised terrorist group and conducted reconnaissance in Lithuania weeks before the attempted attack.

According to law enforcement, the target was infrastructure and radio spectrum analysis stations—valued at up to €1.5 million—produced by Šiauliai-based TVC Solutions for Ukraine’s armed forces. Two arson attempts occurred in September 2024: the first on September 17, when two suspects (J.L.A. and A.F.R.D.) allegedly abandoned the attack after being startled by passersby, fleeing to Riga where they were arrested in a joint Lithuanian-Latvian operation. A second attempt on September 22 involved two other defendants (E.O.V. and M.B.).

The trial will proceed behind closed doors to protect classified information and witness anonymity. The next hearing is scheduled for May.