- A gathering titled “Desimt tylos minuciu” (“10 Minutes of Silence”) is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 14, in Independence Square (Nepriklausomybes aikste), located near the Parliament in central Vilnius. The gathering aims to protest against the inclusion of the “National Awakening Party” in the new coalition government, following anti-Semitic remarks attributed to the party’s leader. The event is expected to last one hour.
- Vilnius city authorities have issued a permit for this event, limiting the gathering to under 5,000 attendees. As of the previous evening (November 11), 3,400 individuals have indicated their intent to participate. The demonstration has been widely publicized on social media, making it difficult to estimate the exact number of attendees. Anti-Semitic views generally face strong opposition in Lithuania, garnering high public attention.
- Similar gatherings are also expected in Kaunas (Unity Square, Vienybes aikste) and Taurage (in front of the Social Democratic Party office) at the same time, suggesting the possibility of a coordinated national demonstration.
If you are in Lithuania, please exercise caution by avoiding these areas during the event. Refrain from approaching the gatherings out of curiosity, and avoid taking photos or engaging with participants to prevent potential conflicts. Should confrontations occur between participants, government supporters, or law enforcement, promptly leave the vicinity to ensure your safety.
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