Protest banner appears on bulldozer outside Lithuanian parliament
Tuesday 21st April 2026 on 09:15 in
Lithuania
A banner reading “Eavesdropping is not free speech” has been placed on a bulldozer parked outside Lithuania’s parliament, the Seimas, in protest against proposed amendments to the law governing the national broadcaster LRT, reports LRT.
The banner features the logo of the Cultural Assembly—a red triangle—alongside a falling pen, though a second pen is affixed beside it. The bulldozer has become a symbol of opposition to the legislative changes, which critics argue threaten press freedom.
Last week, the opposition Social Democratic Party of Lithuania (LSDP) reported finding a covert recording device in their meeting room, alleging it may have been planted by LRT journalist Eglė Samoškaitė—an accusation she denies. Samoškaitė has temporarily stepped down from the Journalists’ Professional Association (ŽPA) and LRT’s initiative group during the ongoing investigation.
The ŽPA and Cultural Assembly have adopted the bulldozer, decorated with red roses and the slogan “LRT amendments,” as a protest symbol. ŽPA chair Birutė Davidonytė stated it will remain outside the Seimas throughout the debate on the proposed changes.
The draft amendments, prepared by a working group led by Seimas Speaker Juozas Olekas, would establish a governing board for LRT, alter the composition of its council, and introduce new grounds for the early dismissal of its director-general. The changes would also prohibit other media outlets from operating on LRT’s channels or website without council approval, while requiring individuals affiliated with external media to disclose conflicts of interest.
The Venice Commission has criticised the proposed amendments for being rushed. A protest last week, “Hands off free speech! We will not surrender,” drew around 10,000 participants. Another demonstration is planned for next week at Cathedral Square.
The amendments follow a failed attempt in December to fast-track separate changes simplifying the dismissal process for LRT’s director-general.