Opposing migration rallies set to clash within 50 metres in Vilnius
Two rival demonstrations - one by the National Alliance and another by migrant-rights groups - will take place about 50 metres apart in central Vilnius, prompting police to deploy over 200 officers.
On Saturday, Vilnius will host three closely timed gatherings: the National Alliance’s anti-migration march at 14:00, a counter-protest by Antifa and Solidarumo grandis beginning at 13:30, and a migrant-rights "Wake Up From Hate" event organized by Sienos grupė at 13:00. The National Alliance, led by Vytautas Sinica, is offering free buses from Klaipėda and Kaunas and calls for reduced migration quotas and deportations of criminal foreigners.
Antifa rejects accusations that its supporters will provoke violence, pointing to recent anti-Muslim incidents such as a pig’s head displayed at a Kaunas mosque and a suspected Quran burning in Vilnius. Police chief Jevgenijus Liepis said 235 officers, including Public Security Service personnel, will be on duty and technical measures may be used, though no threats have been detected. Municipal officials confirmed both protests meet legal requirements and warned that provocations cannot be stopped by distance alone.
Why it matters
The protests highlight deepening divisions over migration policy in Lithuania and the need for extensive police resources to maintain public order.
In this story
