G. Gorienė testified that during a rally outside the Seimas in August 2021, there were provocateurs in the crowd aiming to agitate and disrupt the gathering.
During an appellate hearing at the Vilnius District Court concerning the riots by the Seimas, G. Gorienė provided testimony about her experiences at the rally in August 2021. She described the scene where attendees hoped to engage with parliament members, yet many lawmakers were reluctant to interact with the crowd. Some legislators attempted to leave, while others engaged with attendees or remained in their vehicles, creating a tense atmosphere. Gorienė noted the conflicting responses among lawmakers and the crowd, highlighting the underlying frustrations of the public toward their representatives.
Gorienė went on to report that she observed provocateurs among the demonstrators, describing instances where individuals aggressively pursued her and others. She expressed concern over the fact that these provocateurs were not removed from the crowd, suggesting that their presence exacerbated tensions during the rally. Such provocateur activity complicates the narrative around the events, raising questions about the integrity of public protests and law enforcement responses to them.
The trial of the 87 accused individuals tied to these riots has become a significant legal case, demonstrating the ongoing societal issues concerning freedom of expression, public assembly, and the potential for agitation during protests. Gorienė's testimony could play a pivotal role in understanding the dynamics of such gatherings and the challenges faced by both citizens seeking to voice their concerns and authorities managing public order.
