Astra Genovaitė Astrauskaitė has been found guilty by the Vilnius District Court of involvement in riots and public calls to violate Lithuania’s sovereignty, leading to a conviction that results in a suspended sentence of two years and two months. The court's decision has sparked controversy, with Astrauskaitė expressing strong disagreement and seeking acquittal, claiming that her statements during a protest in August 2021 were misunderstood. She insists she never encouraged violence and called for peaceful protests instead.

During a rally near the Seimas (Lithuanian Parliament) in August 2021, Astrauskaitė stated from the stage that the demonstration should not surround the parliament building, asserting her responsibility and urging attendees to cease any aggressive actions. Her defense highlighted her history of organizing peaceful protests and events, arguing that the August incident should have been no different. Astrauskaitė has publicly condemned the charges against her as baseless and a misrepresentation of her intentions.

The implications of this case extend beyond Astrauskaitė herself, revealing the broader tensions in Lithuanian society regarding freedom of speech and assembly. The authorities' perception of protests, especially in the context of political unrest, raises questions about the limits of dissent and the potential criminalization of organizing protests that could be interpreted as challenging the state. Astrauskaitė's case may set a precedent for how future protests are managed and prosecuted in Lithuania, influencing public discourse and the risk associated with vocal activism.