Kaunas archdiocese rejects biker protest outside mosque
Tuesday 15th September 2026 on 11:15 in
Lithuania
The Kaunas Archdiocese has rejected a protest by about 100 bikers outside a Kaunas mosque and called for respect for Muslims’ freedom of religion, LRT reported.
The bikers allegedly played loud music, revved their motorcycles, chanted patriotic slogans and displayed a pig’s head during Muslim prayers at the mosque in Ramybės Park last Friday.
“Freedom of religion and respect for human dignity are inseparable from a mature democratic society. We may disagree, hold different views and criticise, but we may not humiliate a person because of their faith,” Kaunas Archbishop Metropolitan Kęstutis Kėvalas said in a statement cited by the archdiocese.
“Freedom of religion is not a privilege granted only to those with whom we agree. It is the right of every person,” he said.
The archdiocese urged people to maintain mutual respect even when they disagree, avoid actions that incite hatred or hostility, and seek peaceful dialogue to resolve disputes.
Kaunas County Police launched a pre-trial investigation on Monday into possible incitement against a group of people and interference with religious rites following the incident.
Interior Minister Martynas Katelynas said on Tuesday that police had responded appropriately and prevented the situation from escalating into riots. He said about 100 bikers and several hundred Muslims had been present, while 12 police units maintained public order.
“The situation was brought under control. It did not turn into riots. If the police had not been there, it could realistically have become a riot,” Katelynas told reporters in the Seimas.
The minister has asked the State Security Department to assess the situation, including questions concerning the Muslim community’s leadership and the bikers who took part.
Katelynas said the confrontation had not emerged overnight and that migration had been causing tensions in society for several years. He said the government was preparing changes to migration policy, including tighter rules, which he expected to present within the next few months.