Lithuanian parliament committee rejects proposal to declassify former KGB collaborators

A Lithuanian parliamentary committee has rejected a proposal by Remigijus Žemaitaitis, leader of the Nemuno aušra political group, to declassify the names of former KGB collaborators starting in 2028, LRT reports.

The National Security and Defence Committee (NSGK) voted 8–3 against the draft amendments, which sought to repeal a 1999 law regulating the registration, disclosure, and protection of individuals who admitted collaboration with Soviet security services. The final decision now rests with the full Seimas (parliament).

Žemaitaitis argued that Lithuania should not fear publishing the list of collaborators after 35 years of independence, stating that constitutional rights of those who confessed would not be violated. He proposed delaying the law’s implementation until January 1, 2028, to allow time for preparation.

Opponents, including committee deputy chair Laurynas Kasčiūnas, warned of risks to national security, noting that declassification could enable former collaborators to hold high office and expose sensitive historical intelligence. Conservative lawmakers Arvydas Pocius and Ingrida Šimonytė also urged rejection, emphasising the state’s obligation to honour past commitments.

The government previously dismissed similar proposals in 2023, citing potential harm to public trust and national interests. Current law mandates confidentiality for 75 years, with exceptions only when collaborators seek or hold senior public positions.

This is not the first attempt to declassify KGB files: a 2023 initiative by conservative MP Arvydas Anušauskas and Žemaitaitis faced similar opposition.