Small group gathers ahead of LRT law protest with “Lithuania for Lithuanians” sign

A small group of people arrived at Vilnius Cathedral Square on Friday with a sign reading “Lithuania for Lithuanians” ahead of a planned protest against proposed amendments to the law governing Lithuania’s national broadcaster LRT, LRT.lt reports.

The individuals briefly displayed the sign before leaving the area around 3 PM local time. The demonstration comes as the Seimas (Lithuanian parliament) continues debates on controversial changes to LRT’s governance structure.

Organisers of the protest, scheduled for Saturday under the slogan “Hands off the free word. We will not surrender,” have previously unveiled a symbolic bulldozer decorated with red roses and the words “LRT amendments” as a centerpiece for the rally. The bulldozer is intended to remain outside the Seimas throughout the legislative process.

A previous protest on April 8 drew around 10,000 participants, who demanded lawmakers abandon proposals they claim threaten media freedom. The amendments, drafted by a working group led by Seimas Speaker Juozas Olekas, include the creation of a new LRT Board, changes to its Council composition, and revised procedures for dismissing the director-general.

The proposed law would also ban other media outlets from operating on LRT’s channels or website without Council approval. Individuals affiliated with other media would only be permitted to contribute to LRT content under strict editorial policies and after declaring potential conflicts of interest.

The Venice Commission has criticised the rushed preparation of the amendments, which follow a failed attempt in December to fast-track different changes simplifying the dismissal process for LRT’s director-general.