Dozens of Activists Gather in Front of Presidential Palace to Express Concerns
Around 50 volunteers, NGO members, and concerned citizens organized a protest in front of the Presidential Palace on Friday, expressing their concerns about Lithuania’s policy towards migrants and criticizing the amendments to the law that allow for the expulsion of migrants, which were passed by the Seimas and accepted by President Gitanas Nausėda.
“We want to draw attention to the fact that the amendments to the law are a serious violation of human rights, and it is a pity that none of the ruling politicians, except for the eight who voted against it, responded to the international community’s concerns about changes in the law,” said Emilija Švabaitė, a 28-year-old volunteer from the organization “Sienos Grupė,” which organized the protest.
On Tuesday, the Seimas passed amendments to the law on the state border and its protection, which allow for the control of migrants at the border during a state of emergency at the national level. The amendments are set to take effect on May 3rd.
The event at S. Daukantas Square was held under the slogan that the president’s veto is the “last defense of democracy,” but on Wednesday, Nausėda signed the amendments into law.
Although the Presidential Palace usually publicly announces the head of state’s decisions on laws that generate wider discussions, this time it did not do so but confirmed the signing of the amendments after being questioned by journalists.
During the protest, participants chanted “Shame – Nausėda” and “Stop Violence at the Border,” and held banners with slogans such as “kilotaitė balė,” which translates to “Lithuanian border = death zone.”
The protesters argue that the new amendments violate human rights and pose a threat to the safety and well-being of migrants. Many also criticized the government’s handling of the recent influx of refugees from Belarus, which they believe has been inadequate and inhumane.
