Thousands rally in Vilnius to defend free speech amid government inaction

Around 10,000 people gathered outside Lithuania’s parliament on Tuesday in a renewed protest against threats to free speech, accusing lawmakers of ignoring public demands, LRT reports.

Demonstrators under the banner “Hands off free speech. We will not yield” expressed frustration that earlier protests had failed to prompt meaningful change. “It feels absurd—they pretend not to hear us,” said one participant, Dovilė. “We keep coming back, but nothing changes. The dust settles, and they go back to doing the same things, just more quietly this time.”

Others stressed the need for persistence despite waning momentum. “The initial anger has faded, but we’re here to stay, however long it takes,” said Vaiva. “We may not fully grasp what it means to live under censorship, but we’ve seen where it leads. This is about defending the country we were born in—a free Lithuania.”

Some warned of escalating resistance if authorities continue to dismiss public concerns. “If they keep ignoring us, we’ll find other ways to push back,” said Vytautas. Simonas added that officials mistakenly assume protests will fade: “They think shouting is all we’ll do, but there are far more painful ways to make them listen.”

Participants framed the rally as both a defense of free expression and a warning to those in power. “This isn’t just a protest—it’s a message that times have changed,” said Laurynas. “Society is more active now. What they’re doing won’t be forgotten.”

Rida urged sustained engagement: “We have to stay involved. If we’re passive, no one will stand up for free speech or our culture.” The protest follows ongoing debates over legislative amendments critics say could restrict expression.