15 arrested for Vilnius riots

Jan 19, 2009
TBT staff

PHOTO: Nathan Greenhalgh

VILNIUS- Fifteen people were arrested in connection with the riots at the Lithuanian parliament on Jan. 16.

 151 people were detained as having a hand in the riot, while police are still looking into the cases of 15 other individuals.

 The second district court of Vilnius arrested the 15 people who have been put into custody ranging from seven days to one month.

 The prosecutors for the case have petitioned the court to hold all detainees for one month.

However, judges have already released four suspects on the grounds of inconclusive evidence.

A demonstration on the afternoon of Jan. 16 yielded a riot against the Lithuanian government’s savings plan. Protestors began throwing eggs and snowballs at the parliament building breaking the windows.

Police had to use tear gas to keep crowds out of the building and to disperse the demonstrators.

An estimated 30 people were injured in the riot.

Vilnius’ demonstration was the only violent protest. Around Lithuania in Siauliai, Kelme, Taurage and Panevezys, events were peaceful.

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