The Journalist Professional Association in Lithuania has issued a call on social media, urging politicians to reject proposed amendments to the LRT law, which they claim pose a significant threat to the independence of the public broadcaster. The amendments are said to create conditions conducive to political interference in media content and editorial policy. This warning comes ahead of the scheduled introduction of the law in parliament, despite significant reservations expressed by constitutional lawyers regarding its compatibility with European media freedom standards and the recommendations of the Venice Commission.

One major point of concern highlighted in the statement is the proposed easing of the process for dismissing the director of LRT. Legal experts in the Seimas have already indicated that the grounds for dismissal outlined in the proposed amendments are overly vague, risking non-compliance with European norms designed to protect media independence. The journalists warn that such provisions could lead to arbitrary dismissals influenced by political pressures, undermining the foundational principles of a free and independent press.

The timing of this appeal is critical, as the proposed amendments are set to be introduced this Thursday. The association stresses that the law does not align with the Venice Commission’s recommendations, which aim to safeguard the independence of public media institutions. The ongoing debate reflects a larger concern over media freedom in Lithuania, and this call to action by journalists indicates a commitment to uphold democratic principles against perceived encroachments by political actors.