Lithuanian ruling party leader comments on journalist’s middle-finger gesture during protest

Lithuania’s ruling Farmers and Greens Union (LVŽS) leader Aurelijus Veryga has weighed in on the police investigation into journalist Rita Miliūtė’s middle-finger gesture during a protest against proposed amendments to the public broadcaster LRT’s law, stating that public frustration stems from inconsistent enforcement of behavioural standards, reports LRT.

Speaking on Žinių Radijas on Thursday, Veryga acknowledged that while the gesture itself was not the core issue, people were reacting to perceived double standards in how authorities respond to provocative acts.

“People aren’t angry about the finger. They’re angry because some face consequences for far lesser gestures or words,” Veryga said. “The question is whether the same standards apply to everyone—whether mutual respect is expected equally from all.”

The politician argued that symbolic gestures alone change little, calling instead for substantive discussions on whether the proposed LRT amendments align with Venice Commission recommendations and free speech principles. He claimed sufficient time had already been allocated for debate, urging a shift toward evaluating the content of the reforms rather than escalating tensions.

“Yes, the process had a bad start—I agree the Seimas shouldn’t have rushed. But now that time was given, everyone could submit proposals and discuss them. It’s time to talk about substance, not keep arguing or flashing fingers at each other,” Veryga added.

The comments follow a protest outside the Seimas on Wednesday evening, where an estimated 10,000 people gathered under the slogan “Hands Off Free Speech! We Won’t Back Down”, demanding lawmakers abandon the LRT law amendments, which critics say threaten media independence. Miliūtė’s gesture, directed toward the parliament building, prompted Vilnius police to launch administrative proceedings after receiving complaints.

The proposed amendments emerged after ruling party members attempted last December to fast-track separate changes simplifying the dismissal process for LRT’s director-general.