Thousands protest in Vilnius against media restrictions and government control

A protest against government attempts to restrict media freedom drew around 10,000 people in central Vilnius on Wednesday evening, organisers and police estimates suggest. The demonstration, held under the slogan “Hands off free speech. We will not surrender,” warned against political interference in public broadcasting, comparing Lithuania’s proposed media laws to those already enforced in Hungary and Slovakia.

Protesters gathered outside the Seimas (Lithuanian parliament) as lawmakers consider amendments that critics say would politicise LRT, the national public broadcaster. Organisers accused the ruling coalition of ignoring mass opposition, despite months of demonstrations that have drawn tens of thousands.

“The government hopes we will grow tired, that we will stop protesting, believing nothing can change and let them govern in peace,” a statement from organisers read. “But we will not surrender. We will stand for media freedom as long as it takes—and every single person’s contribution is crucial.”

The rally highlighted concerns that the proposed legal changes would hand control of LRT to political appointees, undermining its independence. “This is the same path already taken in Hungary and Slovakia,” organisers warned, referencing media crackdowns under Viktor Orbán’s government. A parallel protest under the same slogan took place in the northern city of Šiauliai.

Speaking at the event, a journalist who had faced persecution in Hungary urged Lithuanians to resist similar restrictions. “I don’t want you to suffer the same fate,” they said, according to reports from LRT, Lithuania’s public broadcaster.

The protest follows months of controversy over draft legislation that would alter LRT’s governance, which opponents argue would compromise its editorial independence. Previous demonstrations in December drew comparable crowds, but the government has continued to advance the proposals.