Criminal case against Žemaitaitis for shoving protester in Vilkaviškis downgraded to administrative offence

A criminal investigation into Remigijus Žemaitaitis, leader of the nationalist group Nemuno aušra, for shoving a young protester in Vilkaviškis has been dropped, though police have launched administrative proceedings, LRT reports.

The Kaunas Regional Prosecutor’s Office terminated its pre-trial investigation on Friday, concluding that Žemaitaitis’ actions did not meet the criteria for a criminal violation of public order under Lithuania’s Criminal Code. The case was referred to Marijampolė District authorities to assess potential administrative penalties.

Police confirmed to BNS on Monday that administrative proceedings had begun for a minor public order offence. Under Lithuanian law, such violations—including uncensored language, offensive gestures, or deliberate disruption of public order—carry fines ranging from €30 to €140.

The incident occurred on January 19 during a public meeting at Vilkaviškis District Library. Žemaitaitis, then addressing residents, shoved a young man holding a sign reading “Ruzzija” (a derogatory term for Russia) with an arrow pointing toward the exit. The protester and others had chanted “go home, liar, go home” outside the event, which organisers had announced would exclude minors and demonstrators.

Žemaitaitis later claimed he acted in defence of elderly attendees, alleging the protester had pushed them. The Seimas Ethics and Procedure Commission has received a complaint about the incident but paused its review pending the outcome of the legal process.