Protest planned in Vilnius against proposed changes to Lithuanian public broadcaster law

A demonstration titled *”Hands off free speech. We will not surrender”* will take place on Vilnius Cathedral Square on Saturday evening, organisers announced, according to a **BNS** report.

The protest targets proposed amendments to the **Lithuanian National Radio and Television (LRT)** law, which critics argue would undermine the broadcaster’s independence, politicise its governance, and threaten freedom of speech. The event is organised by a coalition of journalists from various newsrooms and the **Cultural Assembly**, a civic group.

In a public call to action, organisers accused lawmakers of rushing the legislative process, holding unscheduled late-night committee sessions to fast-track control over the public broadcaster. *”We’ve all seen how mass protests of hundreds of thousands in Hungary brought real change. Let that inspire us too,”* the statement read. Participants are encouraged to bring signs, flags, and banners.

Speakers at the rally will include journalists **Birutė Davidonytė** and **Gintarė Masteikaitė**, historians **Donatas Puslys** and **Nerijus Šepetys**, as well as cultural figures **Gytis Norvilas**, **Laima Kreivytė**, **Antanas Terleckas**, **Karolis Kaupinis**, and **Kęstutis Cicėnas**. Vilnius city authorities have approved the gathering for up to **30,000 attendees**.

The **Seimas (parliament)** initially endorsed the LRT amendments, which would alter the broadcaster’s governance structure. The **Cultural Committee** must now review all submitted proposals before the bill returns to the full chamber for debate. Committee meetings on the issue have extended late into the night since **April 13**.

Earlier protests against the amendments, including a **10,000-strong rally** outside parliament in early April, featured a symbolic rusted bulldozer with the slogan *”LRT amendments”* emblazoned in flames. Organisers have framed the legislation as an attempt to *”seize control of a public broadcaster that belongs to all of society.”*