Protest planned in Vilnius against proposed changes to national broadcaster LRT

A demonstration titled “Hands off free speech. We will not surrender” will take place in Vilnius Cathedral Square on Saturday, with organisers warning that proposed amendments to Lithuania’s national broadcaster LRT threaten its independence and press freedom, LRT reports.

Critics argue the draft law, currently under fast-track consideration in parliament, would politicise LRT’s governance and undermine editorial freedom. “We’ve seen how mass protests in Hungary led to real change—let that inspire us,” organisers stated in their call to action, urging participants to bring signs, flags, and banners.

Speakers at the rally will include journalists, historians, and cultural figures such as Birutė Davidonytė, Gintarė Masteikaitė, and Donatas Puslys. Vilnius city authorities have approved the gathering for up to 30,000 attendees.

The Culture Committee has held marathon sessions since April 13 to review the bill, which previously sparked protests of over 10,000 people outside parliament. A symbolic rusted bulldozer with the slogan “LRT amendments” was installed near Independence Square during earlier demonstrations.

Meanwhile, Seimas Speaker Juozas Olekas dismissed the protest’s significance, telling reporters he would rather plant an oak grove than “waste time” at the rally. “Honouring President Valdas Adamkus with this work is far more important,” he said.

The amendments, which would alter LRT’s governance structure, have already received preliminary parliamentary approval. Opponents fear they would give politicians greater control over the public broadcaster.