LRT English Newsletter – June 2, 2023.
It took just a few days for the much-loved Rammstein concert in Vilnius to appear in a completely new light. A woman shared a shocking story on Twitter, alleging some very shady things taking place at Rammstein’s concerts.
In brief, she alleges girls are handpicked by middlemen (and women) to attend pre- and after-parties where they allegedly end up being drugged and coerced into having sex. The details are still scarce – the band rejects any wrongdoing, but similar testimonies are being shared on social media both in Lithuania and elsewhere.
But this whole story has highlighted something entirely different in Lithuania – the inability of the first responders to deal with potential victims of drugging and rape.
So when the news first broke on Friday, activists accused the Lithuanian media of being slow to report on the allegations (the claim, admittingly, is at least partly true). What was really happening, however, is that the Lithuanian press was running circles trying to get confirmations from the official authorities if they had indeed registered such a case.
The answer the police finally gave on Monday was a story in itself.
According to the spokesperson, the medics and the police did respond to the woman’s call. But, despite telling officers that “someone slipped drugs into her drinks and tried to rape her”, according to the police spokesperson, “the woman had no complaints”. To many, it sounded at least a little absurd.
The sluggish reaction of the authorities, including failing to test her for drugs, is leading a human rights NGO to turn to the country’s MPs, asking to investigate whether officers indeed know how to deal with such cases. A police spokesperson did admit that there was no training for first responders on how to systematically process such cases.
So, whatever happens next, the controversy may end up leading to some changes. Meanwhile, now both the Irish and Lithuanian police are looking into the woman’s claims, but a formal investigation is yet to be announced.
CYBER STRIKES
Lithuania’s companies and institutions came under a coordinated cyber attack earlier this week. Those affected included aviation, defence, and media companies and organisations. Almost needless to say, the attacks came from Russia, with one hacker group claiming responsibility. Last year, the country registered over 4,000 attacks, according to a new report by the Defence Ministry. None of them, however, had much of an effect, the ministry claimed.
NATO LOCKDOWNS
It seems like the NATO summit will force many of us in Vilnius to ditch cars, as most of the Old Town will be accessible on foot only. Parts of the city where NATO meetings will take place will be under strict control. The country’s borders will also be guarded, including the crossings with Poland and Latvia. Although authorities say it shouldn’t affect your travel times, do keep in mind that you may be stopped. No commercial flights will take place during the summit.
Beware [!] if you are planning to travel, as some airlines are still selling tickets for flights on July 10-12 that will have to be cancelled. To further guard the airspace, Germany is bringing its own Patriot air defence system to town.
Speaking of Germany – the country's president, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, was in Vilnius this week and said the two countries were “not arguing” and working on building up the German brigade in Lithuania (keyword here, folks, is “in” Lithuania).
ECONOMY LATEST
Here is the latest economy update – Lithuania’s GDP continues to drop, with a 2.5-percent decrease projected for the first quarter of 2023. The economic slowdown is also prompting the country to return to the topic of migrant labour. Also, Lithuania is looking for an airline to continue the subsidised Vilnius – London City Airport flights.
EDITOR’S PICKS:
– Expired products including frozen meat, poultry, and fish were imported into Lithuania and sold at local supermarkets.
– Here are some awesome picnic spots in and around Vilnius.
– Ever wondered who were the executioners in Vilnius?
– The first generation of post-independence Lithuanians seems to like flying solo.
– Belarusians need to answer formal questions like “Whose is Crimea?” to get residency permits in Lithuania.
– What will happen to Belarus once Lukashenko is out?
– The Kaunas Ninth Fort Memorial Complex will host an exhibition of textiles and art objects made by Siberian deportees.
– A liberal MP was caught invoicing taxi rides from a nightclub as work-related expenses.
– No more electric scooters (and bikes) in parts of the Old Town.
– And no more travel beers for you.
– But at least the air balloons over Vilnius are here to stay.
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Written by Benas Gerdžiūnas
Edited by Justinas Šuliokas
LRT English
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