Approximately 10,000 people gathered outside the Lithuanian parliament to protest sudden changes to the law governing public broadcasting.
Demonstrators said the amendments threaten freedom of speech and undermine the independence of Lithuania’s state-run radio and television amid a tense political crisis.
The ruling party wants to lower the standards for dismissing LRT directors. Under the proposal, the board would be able to vote in a secret ballot and remove top officials with fewer votes and on broader grounds.
Critics claim the move targets the current manager.