Feb 18 • 08:26 UTC 🇱🇹 Lithuania Lrytas

V. Čmilytė-Nielsen testified in the Seimas riots case: I did not make any decisions

V. Čmilytė-Nielsen stated that during the riots near the Seimas in August 2021, she was focused on ensuring safety in the parliament and did not make any decisions regarding the protests.

In a remote testimony, V. Čmilytė-Nielsen, who served as the Speaker of the Seimas in August 2021, discussed the events surrounding a prolonged rally that took place near the parliament. She noted that after the official end of the meeting, an unauthorized gathering continued, which attracted attention from various participants, including notable representatives and individuals filming the incidents. Her role at that time was primarily focused on ensuring the safety of the parliamentary environment, especially as some rally participants entered the parliament building.

Čmilytė-Nielsen emphasized her active involvement in addressing safety concerns as a priority during the unfolding events on August 10, 2021. She stated that she remained in the parliament until around half-past midnight, coordinating the dissemination of information regarding the situation outside. This proactive approach was framed within her responsibilities to maintain order and security within the legislative body amidst the chaos; however, she clarified that she did not make specific decisions about the protests themselves.

The testimony sheds light on the complexities faced by political leaders during civil unrest and their efforts to balance security needs with public demonstrations. It raises questions about the responsibilities of government officials during such events and the impact of unauthorized protests on governmental operations. This case's developments could influence future policies regarding public protests and the role of parliament in managing civic demonstrations.

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