Two neo-Nazis charged for marching in Vilnius
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Representatives of Lithuania's foreign ministry have had a working meeting with administration of Lithuanian and Vilnius police at which they discussed the progress of investigation of unsanctioned neo-Nazi march held in Vilnius downtown on March 11. Two march participants have been already presented charges. The rest of the participants are so far regarded as witnesses in the case. <!-- @page { size: 21cm 29.7cm; margin: 2cm } P { margin-bottom: 0.21cm } -->
At the same time, they in the Lithuania's interior ministry point out that, despite “some inaccuracy in the conduct of the police” during the march, “the police, in general, acted correctly: the participants were notified about responsibility for inciting ethnic discord; order was maintained; the march videotaped for further investigation; investigation was started.” <!-- @page { size: 21cm 29.7cm; margin: 2cm } P { margin-bottom: 0.21cm } -->
A source in the ministry has stressed that cases of ethnic discord incitement are becoming more frequent in Lithuania. This year, 21 criminal proceedings have been initiated only on account of inciting ethnic discord. In 2007, the number was 32, and only 17 in 2006. <!-- @page { size: 21cm 29.7cm; margin: 2cm } P { margin-bottom: 0.21cm } -->
Inciting ethnic discord in Lithuania is prosecuted with fines or imprisonment of up to two years. While marching along the Gediminas Prospect on March 11, the rally attendants shouted: “Lithuania for Lithuanians,” “Kill the Jew,” “Juden Raus,” and the like nationalist and racist slogans. <!-- @page { size: 21cm 29.7cm; margin: 2cm } P { margin-bottom: 0.21cm } -->
Investigation of the incident was started on March 13. Potentially, all the rally attendants (about 200 people) may be held liable for the unsanctioned march. However, strict measures will be taken against the procession leaders who spurred the column by racist slogans and directed the chanting. <!-- @page { size: 21cm 29.7cm; margin: 2cm } P { margin-bottom: 0.21cm } A:link { color: #000080; text-decoration: underline } -->
As REGNUM earlier informed, Independence Day was celebrated in Lithuania on March 11, 2008. The night before the event, unknown vandals splashed paint on the Soviet Soldiers' Memorial.
18:35 03/18/2008
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