Vilnius Mayor Valdas Benkunskas announced Friday that the Lithuanian capital opposes a planned visit by Grzegorz Braun and members of the Confederation Crown of Poland.
Vilnius Rejects Confederation Event
Vilnius Mayor Valdas Benkunskas stated on Friday that the city opposes the planned event by the Confederation Crown of Poland on May 1st. He indicated that authorities would officially inform organizers and relevant state bodies responsible for public order and security.
Benkunskas questioned the motives of the party, stating, “If you dislike our Europe and our system of values, why do you want to use it, travel freely to another country, and have a platform to spread your poison? What have you lost in Vilnius?”
Security Services Analyzing Braun’s Visit
Lithuania’s State Security Department (VSD) reported on Thursday that it currently has no information indicating an immediate threat related to Braun’s visit. However, the VSD noted that the actions of these politicians could pose a risk to public order and potentially conflict with national security interests.
The assessment has been forwarded to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Vilnius authorities, and law enforcement agencies.
Event Venue Canceled
Lithuanian media previously reported that Braun planned to visit Lithuania in early May and sought permission from Vilnius authorities to hold a rally. An event was initially planned for the Vilnius Culture and Spirituality Center, but the reservation was canceled after the organizers’ identities were revealed.
Braun’s Controversial Actions Under Scrutiny
The public statements of Confederation Crown of Poland leader and MEP Grzegorz Braun have repeatedly been assessed by prosecutors as violating the law and denying Nazi crimes. A trial concerning Braun began in Warsaw in December 2023, including charges related to extinguishing Hanukkah candles in the Sejm in December 2023.
Polish prosecutors also intend to file charges in several other cases, including the destruction of Ukrainian and European Union flags, and Holocaust denial. The European Parliament has already approved several motions to waive Braun’s immunity. In one case (deprivation of freedom of a doctor in a hospital in Oleśnica), the prosecutor’s office also requested the consent of EP President Roberta Metsola to arrest the MEP.
