Vilnius rally organisers change venue without notifying city

Organisers of a rally in support of immigration in Vilnius have changed its location without informing the city, LRT reported, as three demonstrations related to migration are planned for Saturday.

Two rallies with opposing positions are now set to take place close to each other in the city centre. Police say they are prepared to prevent incidents.

Vilnius initially approved events at three locations: Independence Square near parliament, Vincas Kudirka Square and nearby areas. The rally supporting immigration was planned for Independence Square, but its organisers, the group Solidarity Chain, now say they will hold an anti-racism gathering on Gediminas Avenue, near buildings numbered 14 and 16, from 1pm to 4pm. Up to 400 people are expected.

The city told ELTA it had not been informed of the change. Its earlier information said up to 300 people would attend the rally at Independence Square.

From 2pm to 4pm, a rally against mass immigration is scheduled at Vincas Kudirka Square, with up to 200 participants. Solidarity Chain said it was moving its demonstration to continue protesting directly against the National Alliance party’s event. The party and Vytautas Sinica had moved their protest to the square after the city did not grant them permission to hold it at Independence Square.

Tags: Vilnius, migration, rallies