Lithuania on Edge: Minister’s “Kill Disloyal Citizens” Remark Sparks outrage & Threat Investigation
[Image: A striking, high-resolution image of the Lithuanian Parliament building, perhaps with a slightly ominous tone. Alternatively,a photo of Juozas Olekas looking concerned.]
Vilnius, Lithuania – A controversial statement made on a recent television program by Lithuanian MP Laurynas Kasčiūnas, suggesting the potential for killing “disloyal citizens,” has ignited a firestorm of criticism adn prompted a police investigation. The remarks, made during an appearance on “Kasčiūnas TV,” have raised serious concerns about escalating rhetoric and potential threats to political opponents.
The incident centers around a question posed by rapper and Riflemen’s Union member Gabriel Liaudanskas-Svaras, who asked Kasčiūnas if his policies would lead to the killing of those deemed disloyal. kasčiūnas’s response, “I hope to say,” has been widely condemned as reckless and hazardous.
Military Silence & Political Fallout
The Lithuanian Armed Forces and the Ministry of National Defence initially offered a muted response to the controversy, with officials hesitant to comment on the implications of Kasčiūnas’s statement. After repeated inquiries, the Ministry of National Defense clarified that the army does not teach soldiers to kill civilians and that the concept of “disloyal citizens” has no basis in Lithuanian law, emphasizing adherence to international humanitarian law.
However, the lack of a swift and decisive condemnation from leadership has fueled further outrage. Former Minister of National Defense Juozas Olekas sharply criticized the remarks,stating,”No one has given me the right to decide what is loyal and the punishment for that disloyalty. there are courts, even during wartime.” He further emphasized the need for the prosecutor’s office to investigate whether the statements