Lawmaker Fined for Inciting Hatred Against Jews and Downplaying Holocaust Crimes
A Lithuanian court has imposed a €5,000 fine on lawmaker Remigijus Žemaitaitis for inciting hatred against Jews and downplaying Nazi Germany's crimes. The judge stated that Žemaitaitis had publicly mocked and encouraged hatred towards individuals of Jewish ethnicity and grossly minimized the Holocaust. He was found guilty under criminal code provisions related to incitement against specific groups and belittlement of international crimes. The court examined social media posts and a parliamentary speech made by Žemaitaitis, concluding that they exceeded the limits of freedom of expression.
The court highlighted that Žemaitaitis used language that degraded and demonstrated hatred towards a specific nationality, violating human dignity. He falsely accused Jews of various atrocities and promoted hostility towards them. The politician must pay the fine within two months, and the verdict can be appealed within 20 days. The prosecutor had sought a higher fine, but Žemaitaitis denied any wrongdoing and sought acquittal. The case originated from controversial Facebook posts made by Žemaitaitis in 2023, leading to impeachment proceedings and his subsequent resignation from office.
Žemaitaitis criticized the court's ruling as politicized and announced his intention to appeal. He argued that the judges aimed to punish him despite the lack of evidence, as evidenced by the relatively small fine imposed. Žemaitaitis emphasized the need to prevent politicized decisions against political opponents and highlighted the support he received in the 2024 parliamentary elections. He expressed his determination to challenge the verdict and defend his position.