Thousands gather in Vilnius to protest proposed public broadcaster restrictions

Several thousand demonstrators assembled outside Lithuania’s parliament on Wednesday evening to protest proposed legal amendments they say threaten press freedom at the national broadcaster LRT, LRT.lt reports.

The rally, organised under the slogan “Hands off free speech. We will not surrender,” marks the latest in a series of mass protests against legislative changes critics argue would politicise LRT’s governance. Organisers accused the ruling majority of attempting to “take over control of a public broadcaster that belongs to you all,” comparing the move to media restrictions imposed in Hungary and Slovakia.

“The authorities hope we will grow tired, that we will give up protesting, believing nothing can change and let them govern quietly,” the organisers stated. “But we will not surrender. We will stand for media freedom as long as it takes—and every single person’s contribution is crucial.”

Protests were also scheduled in Šiauliai from 7 PM local time. The demonstrations follow months of public opposition, including a December rally that drew tens of thousands to the same location. Despite the backlash, lawmakers have revived the contested amendments, which opponents claim would undermine LRT’s independence and the public’s right to unbiased information.

A live broadcast of the Vilnius protest is available via LRT.lt.