Lithuanian press groups decry intimidation of 15min staff after Bankera probe

A coalition of Lithuanian media groups condemned what they view as systematic pressure on 15min journalists and managers after the portal exposed alleged financial misconduct by Bankera's founders. According to 15min, personal information of employees and relatives was gathered without cause, reporters were followed at public gatherings, and false articles were disseminated via a newly launched website and social media, supported by paid outdoor ads.

The outlet has lodged numerous complaints with the Office of the Inspector of Journalist Ethics, the Commission for Ethics in Public Information, the Bank of Lithuania, the Radio and Television Commission, the State Territorial Planning and Construction Inspectorate, the Media Support Fund, the Culture Ministry and the Special Investigation Service. Statements from the Internet Media Association, the Association of Professional Journalists, the Lithuanian Journalists’ Union and the National Press Association label the episode as a SLAPP campaign designed to intimidate and financially drain media organisations. Lina Bušinskaitė, chair of the Internet Media Association, called on state institutions to treat the matter seriously, warning that media pressure threatens democratic fundamentals.