Lithuanian MP under ethics probe over allegedly doctored protest photo

The Lithuanian parliament’s Ethics and Procedures Commission has launched an investigation into lawmaker Remigijus Žemaitaitis over allegations he shared a doctored photograph on social media that falsely depicted a protester holding a vulgar sign, LRT reports.

The probe follows complaints, including one from European Parliament member Dainius Žalimas, accusing Žemaitaitis—the leader of the conservative party Nemuno aušra—of violating ethical norms. The complaints allege the image was digitally altered to show a woman at an April protest holding a sign with an obscene message comparing the MP to male genitalia. The original photograph showed her holding a different, non-offensive sign.

Commission chair Viktoras Fiodorovas outlined the allegations during Wednesday’s meeting, stating the doctored image appeared to use digital manipulation—potentially including AI—to create “false and reputation-damaging content.” The complaint further claims the post incited hostility against the woman, exposing her to harassment and threats.

Žalimas has separately called for Žemaitaitis to face impeachment, arguing his actions may have violated Lithuania’s constitution and his oath of office. However, the commission stressed that any decision on impeachment would follow the ethics investigation. Conservative MP Jurgis Razma noted, “There is a request to initiate impeachment, but we will address that […] after the investigation.”

The commission’s decision to open the probe was supported by all members present except Žemaitaitis’s party colleague Daiva Žebelienė. Conservatives Dalia Asanavičiūtė-Gružauskienė and social democrat Lilija Vaitiekūnienė were tasked with preparing findings.

Žemaitaitis shared the disputed image on Facebook in late April amid protests against proposed amendments to Lithuania’s public broadcaster LRT. Last week, Žalimas reported filing a separate pre-trial request with the Prosecutor General’s Office to examine the MP’s social media conduct.