Woman attacked and punched at Vilnius protests

A woman was attacked and punched during migration-related protests in Vilnius on Saturday, LRT reported, as opposing demonstrations took place along Gediminas Avenue.

One protest, organised by the right-wing National Union party, was against migration. A counter-demonstration called “Demonstration Against Racism” was organised by left-wing activists. Police said the events would be separated by about 50 metres. Organisers expected around 500 people at the anti-migration protest and about 100 at the counter-demonstration.

The National Union called for reduced migrant quotas and the deportation of foreigners who have committed crimes. Counter-demonstration organisers said they were concerned that political rhetoric was spreading panic and misinformation about migrants.

Police planned to deploy more than 200 officers to maintain order. A separate event organised by the migrant-rights group Sienos grupė was scheduled for 1 p.m. near the protests. The group said it aimed to create a calm space for conversation and respond to an attack near a mosque in Kaunas and the National Union’s protest.