Protesters gather in Vilnius Cathedral Square to defend free speech amid LRT law reforms

A sixth consecutive protest defending free speech took place in Vilnius on Saturday, this time moving from its usual location near the Seimas to the central Cathedral Square, as organisers sought to amplify their message against proposed reforms to Lithuania’s national broadcaster LRT.

The rally, under the slogan “Hands off free speech. We will not surrender,” drew crowds calling for the withdrawal of legislative amendments they argue would undermine the independence of Lithuanian National Radio and Television (LRT). Actor Paulius Markevičius, opening the event, stated: “I am here because I cannot be indifferent to what is happening in my home. What is happening in our state right now is not normal.”

Organisers urged participants to bring friends, colleagues, and family, along with signs and flags, to demonstrate sustained opposition. “So that more of us can fit, and our voice reaches not just the Seimas, but the Presidential Palace as well,” they said in a statement ahead of the protest, which began officially at 16:00 local time. Police were present to maintain order, with organisers emphasising the need for peaceful conduct.

The protest follows ongoing debates over proposed changes to LRT’s governing law, including the establishment of a new board, an expanded council, altered dismissal procedures for the director-general, and restrictions on journalists from other media outlets participating in LRT programming. Critics, including journalists and media experts, warn the reforms could compromise the broadcaster’s editorial independence.

Earlier this week, a symbolic bulldozer—representing the perceived threat to press freedom—was placed near the Seimas by protest organisers, the Journalists’ Professional Association, and the Cultural Assembly. The bulldozer is intended to remain there throughout the parliamentary debate on the amendments.