In Lithuania, 10 police officers were injured in clashes with opponents of antiquated restrictions

On Wednesday morning, a police guard was posted outside the government building, as on that day they will decide on the introduction of stricter sanitary restrictions for people without a “passport of opportunity.” This document is valid from May 24. It gives more freedom to people who have been vaccinated, recovered or tested for coronavirus. Many entertainments are available to such people; they are also allowed to be served inside catering establishments.

The new, stricter rules are slated to come into effect on 13 September. They imply a ban on unvaccinated citizens from using public transport, as well as visiting medical institutions and shops of a certain category, and seeking contact services. The authorities believe such restrictions will stimulate the vaccination campaign.

On Tuesday, about 5,000 people gathered for a protest in front of the Lithuanian parliament. They expressed dissatisfaction with government policies and possible restrictions for people without a “passport of opportunity.” After the end of parliamentary sessions, some of the protesters blocked the exit from the building and the exit from the courtyard of the parliament. When the police pushed the demonstrators away from the exit, riots broke out, bottles and flares were thrown at the guards. The police used tear gas.

“I must assure that the police did not use any noise or any other grenades. The pyrotechnics were used by the protesters, ”Saulius Gagas said.

Armored vehicles and water cannons were pulled to the parliament. It was possible to completely disperse the protesters only by two o’clock in the morning. 70 police officers took part in restoring public order.