Nazi salutes at Vilnius protest may trigger fines, police say

A Nazi salute at a protest in Vilnius may be treated as the public display of Nazi symbols and lead to a fine, police told LRT after images from a weekend demonstration circulated online. Nearly 1,000 people took part in protests both against migration and against discrimination and racism targeting foreigners.

Images from Saturday’s protest showed some participants making a gesture popularised by German National Socialists in the early 20th century. LRT reported that the individuals were Ukrainians living in Lithuania and that at least one was linked to a far-right movement.

One participant also displayed Adolf Hitler’s book “Mein Kampf” towards people at a counter-demonstration. The protests against migration drew young people who described themselves as nationalists and wore far-right symbols and patches. Participants on both sides were also seen covering their faces with sunglasses and masks.

Vilnius County Police told LRT that Nazi salutes are prohibited and can be treated as the display of Nazi symbols. Under the Code of Administrative Offences, publicly displaying the flags, coats of arms, signs or uniforms of Nazi Germany, the Soviet Union or the Lithuanian SSR, or singing their anthems, is prohibited. The penalty can range from €300 to €700, with a higher fine possible if the offence is repeated or committed by a legal entity.

Police spokesperson Julija Samorokovskaja said a person who deliberately made the Nazi salute could be considered to have displayed Nazi symbolism. However, merely possessing or displaying “Mein Kampf” is not in itself an offence, police said. Authorities would need to assess what was shown on the book, how it was displayed and what the gesture or display meant in the context of the protest.

Covering one’s face with a mask or scarf is also not prohibited, police said. However, a person must uncover their face and comply with lawful police requests when asked to confirm their identity.