08 Sep 2021 | 09:49 AM UTC
Lithuania: Authorities withdraw authorization for protest in Vilnius scheduled for Sept. 10
Officials in Vilnius, Lithuania, deny permit for COVID-19 protest scheduled for Sept. 10; unauthorized demonstration, disruptions possible.
Event
Officials have withdrawn authorization for a demonstration against COVID-19 policies in Vilnius that activists had scheduled for Sept. 10. Organizers had planned to gather near the parliament building and requested a permit for up to 15,000 people to participate.
Some protesters could still attempt to gather near the Parliament building on Sept. 10; precautionary security measures could prompt localized disruptions. In addition, police could move to disperse any unauthorized protesters and will likely resort to force if resisted. While bystanders are unlikely to be targeted, they would face a significant incidental threat in the vicinity of any violence.
Context
The denial of authorization is partly a result of fears that the protest could turn violent; a related gathering Aug. 10 degenerated into clashes between police and protesters.
Advice
Exercise caution in the vicinity of the parliament bBuilding Sept. 10 and allow additional time for essential travel in the area. Leave the area at the first sign of a confrontation, or if large numbers of police or protesters appear to be gathering.
