In Lithuania, the appellate court in Vilnius is set to hear a high-profile case involving 84 defendants who were found guilty of participating in riots near the Seimas. This case has garnered significant attention due to the sheer number of individuals involved, prompting the court to hold sessions in two separate courtrooms. The rooms will be connected via teleconference to ensure a smooth proceeding of the trial. According to court representative Lina Nemeikaitė, even the largest courtroom could not accommodate all participants, necessitating this unique approach.

Previously, a lower court had convicted most of the defendants, with many receiving suspended sentences. Among the original group, two individuals were acquitted of riot charges, although one was found guilty of illegal weapon possession. Another woman faced a reclassification of her charges from riots to resisting law enforcement, leading to imposed restrictions on her freedom. The rulings from both courts illustrate the complexity of the legal proceedings surrounding the riots, indicating the judiciary's effort to address and manage these disturbances effectively.

The upcoming sessions are significant as they will involve not just the defendants but also legal representatives and various other stakeholders, reflecting broader societal concerns regarding public order and the role of law enforcement. As these events unfold, the implications for law enforcement policies and the public's perception of judicial processes in Lithuania will likely be pivotal, given the high stakes involved. This case exemplifies the challenges faced by the legal system in handling large-scale incidents of civil unrest and the considerable public interest in the outcomes.