Lawyer argues client’s stone-throwing was ‘natural reaction’ in Lithuanian parliament riot case

A defence lawyer has urged Lithuania’s Vilnius Regional Court to acquit mixed martial arts representative Arnoldas Misiūnas, arguing that throwing a handful of gravel during 2021 protests outside parliament was a “natural reaction” to police use of tear gas, LRT reports.

Misiūnas was convicted in first instance of rioting and sentenced to one year and 11 months in prison, suspended for 18 months. His lawyer, Viktoras Gecas, told the appeals hearing on Wednesday that the conviction should be overturned, insisting his client had only thrown gravel—not stones—and acted instinctively after inhaling tear gas.

“He threw a handful of gravel, but did so because he smelled gas when uniformed officers arrived and sprayed it. It was a natural human reaction to improper treatment,” Gecas argued, describing the act as a result of an “affective state.” He added that prosecutors had failed to present evidence—such as video footage—proving Misiūnas threw stones at police or the parliament building.

The lawyer also noted that Misiūnas, a public figure known for his tattoos and media appearances, would have been easily identifiable in any recordings of unlawful acts. “We did not see a single video showing him throwing gravel or stones toward the Seimas or police,” Gecas stated.

The case is part of broader appeals stemming from the 2021 riots outside Lithuania’s parliament, in which 84 of 87 defendants were convicted in first instance. Two were acquitted, and one had charges reduced. Seventeen were classified as repeat offenders. Most sentences were suspended, though three individuals received immediate prison terms.

Prosecutors have also appealed, seeking to overturn acquittals and remove suspended sentences for repeat offenders. They argue convicted participants should cover state-provided legal costs.

Among those previously convicted in the case are a Lithuanian language teacher, sentenced to two years and two months (suspended), and activist Antanas Kandrotas (alias “Celofanas”), who received four years for rioting. Another protest figure, Andrejus Lobovas, was handed a two-year suspended sentence. Fines ranging from €500 to €2,000 were also imposed.