Lithuania's Kaunas County Police have launched 42 administrative cases following the M.A.M.A. music awards at the Žalgiris Arena in Kaunas last weekend.
"Eight persons have already agreed to have administrative offence protocols with orders to pay fines to be sent by email, which officers have done already. The persons are expected to pay fines of 250 euros by the set deadline," the police statement reads.
Another 12 people have been called to report to a police station. "Not all individuals are cooperating with police officers and some of them have asked to communicate via their managers or lawyers," Kaunas County Police said.
Read more: Mask-free music award ceremony in Lithuania met by public backlash
The music ceremony, which attracted some 300 people, caused a public backlash, as events are not allowed under the current lockdown restrictions. However, the award ceremony was treated as a TV production and not a public event, therefore not subject to the ban. The ceremony was filmed and broadcast by the TV channel TV3.
The organisers also said there were no outsiders at the arena during the filming, all participants had undergone Covid-19 testing, and the staff wore facemasks.
Police also launched administrative proceedings against the show’s organisers on Monday. The officers have collected evidence during this week and have also asked for information on people who attended the event.
"The organisers are cooperating with the police and have provided documents and officers have started analysing them," the police said.
The legal proceedings are related to the failure to wear facemasks and keep social distance, police say.
The law enforcement plans to announce its final decision at a later date.
Read more: LRT English Newsletter: Feasting in time of plague?
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