Police prepare for three Vilnius rallies over immigration

Police say they are ready to maintain order at three rallies in Vilnius on Saturday, October 3, as demonstrators prepare to gather both for and against immigration. LRT reported that the events will take place near one another in the city centre.

Seimas member Vytautas Sinica has called for a peaceful protest against mass immigration at Vincas Kudirka Square from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. He urged participants to come without face coverings, bring Lithuanian tricolour flags and avoid provocations or violence. Sinica said the goal was to send a “civilised message” to the authorities and added: “Come with clear demands; leave the pig heads at home.”

According to Vilnius Municipality, up to 200 people are expected at Sinica’s rally. A gathering in support of immigration is planned at Independence Square, by the Seimas, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., with up to 300 participants. A separate anti-racism rally is scheduled for the same hours near buildings at 14 and 16 Gediminas Avenue, with up to 400 people expected.

Police Department spokesperson Ramūnas Matonis told ELTA that officers had assessed expected attendance, potential risks and the possibility of clashes between the rallies. Police and Public Security Service officers will be deployed, he said, and organisers are in contact with authorities.

Sinica said his protest was initially planned near the Seimas but was moved. He criticised the municipality’s handling of the arrangements, alleging that anti-protesters identifying with ANTIFA had been allowed to hold an event near the parliament.

The organisers of the rally at Independence Square say they will protest racism. Sinica has also argued that Lithuania does not need mass immigration and has registered legislative amendments concerning immigrants who commit crimes.