LRT board member files police report after journalists disrupt closed meeting

A member of the Lithuanian National Radio and Television (LRT) governing board has filed a police complaint after dozens of the broadcaster’s journalists entered a closed session on April 9, forcing its cancellation, LRT reports.

Jonas Staselis submitted the report electronically on Friday evening, alleging violations of public order and arbitrary conduct. Vilnius police confirmed receiving the complaint and said they are gathering evidence under two articles of the Criminal Code: “violation of public order” and “arbitrary action.”

The incident occurred during a board meeting where administrators were set to discuss an internal assessment of a recent employee protest. According to board chairman Mindaugas Jurkynas, journalists entered as the discussion began, declaring, “We will be here now.” When told the session was closed, they insisted the matter concerned them directly, prompting the board to adjourn.

Indrė Makaraitytė, head of LRT’s Investigations Department and a protest representative, stated the journalists had come to inform board members about the ongoing protest. The demonstration follows repeated warnings from LRT’s leadership against using on-air silence as protest—a tactic journalists have employed amid proposed governance changes they argue would politicise the broadcaster.

On April 10, over 10,000 people joined a rally in Vilnius under the slogan “Hands off free speech,” opposing legislative amendments they claim would undermine LRT’s independence. Organisers say the current draft law risks turning the public broadcaster into a politically controlled institution.