No suspects named in investigation into Kaunas mosque incident

LRT reported on Tuesday that prosecutors have not named any suspects in an investigation into an incident outside a mosque in Kaunas.

The pretrial investigation concerns possible incitement against a group defined by nationality, race, ethnicity, religion or other characteristics, and interference with religious rites or ceremonies. No one has been formally notified of suspicion at this stage, Agnė Pociūtė, a spokeswoman for the Prosecutor General’s Office, told ELTA.

Kaunas County Police opened the investigation in mid-September after reviewing available material. According to the news outlet Kas vyksta Kaune, a group of bikers disrupted Muslim community prayers held in and outside the Kaunas mosque. They chanted “Lithuania,” made noise, played rock music loudly and brought a pig’s head. The bikers could not say what specific message they wanted to convey.

Police also began administrative proceedings over possible violations of rules on gatherings and other events, and started checking the circumstances. Police said the bikers did not have a permit from the municipality to gather outside the mosque.

After the incident, Interior Minister Martynas Katelynas asked the State Security Department to assess the situation and possible risks. Representatives of Lithuanian Tatar communities have also publicly questioned the management of the Kaunas mosque and the role of the so-called second muftiate. Its head, Aleksandras Beganskas, has rejected claims that the community is becoming radicalised.