Lithuania: Protesters to gather in Vilnius evening of May 15

Event

Activists are planning to gather in Vilnius on the evening of May 15 to denounce the Istanbul Convention and other initiatives alleged to discriminate against the traditional family. The event, which is dubbed the "Family Defense March", will take place in Vingis Park between 18:00 and 10:00.

Although organizers say that up to 7,000 people could attend, authorities believe that participation could reach 10,000. Additional police will deploy to the site; large numbers of people and associated security measures could prompt localized transport disruptions around the venue. Current COVID-19 measures in Lithuania restrict public gatherings; police could move to disperse the action if participants are deemed to be breaching these restrictions. The event is likely to proceed peacefully, though isolated clashes between police and protesters cannot be ruled out.

Advice

Avoid the protest as a routine security precaution and to mitigate associated disruptions. Heed instructions from security services and leave the area at the first sign of a confrontation. Check for disruptions and allow extra time for travel near Vingis Park in central Vilnius on the evening of May 15