A group of unidentified vandals splattered red paint on the entrance doors of Lithuania’s embassy in Moscow, prompting a formal protest from the Lithuanian Foreign Ministry to the Russian Embassy Counsellor. Videos shared by media outlets showed red handprints on the embassy sign and pools of paint underneath the entrance doors. The motives behind the act are unknown, but Lithuania’s strong support for Ukraine in its defense against Russia’s invasion may be a contributing factor. This incident follows Lithuania’s recall of its ambassador to Russia, the expulsion of the Russian ambassador, and the downgrading of diplomatic ties in April 2022.
The Lithuanian Foreign Ministry reported that four unidentified masked individuals were seen vandalizing the embassy entrance while Russian police officers stood by without intervening, accusing Moscow of violating diplomatic rules by failing to prevent the damage. The incident in Moscow comes after an arson attack on the Russian Embassy in Vilnius, where a Lithuanian citizen was arrested on charges of property damage. The crime is punishable by up to five years in prison. These incidents highlight the heightened tensions between Lithuania and Russia, with diplomatic relations strained and acts of vandalism occurring at diplomatic missions in both countries.
The Moscow Times, an independent journalism organization in Russia, has faced challenges as the country’s authorities have labeled them as “undesirable” and “foreign agents,” criminalizing their work and putting their staff at risk of prosecution. Despite these attempts to silence independent journalism, The Moscow Times remains committed to providing accurate and unbiased reporting on Russia. The organization is seeking support from readers to continue their work in the face of repression, emphasizing the importance of defending open and independent journalism.
The actions taken against The Moscow Times reflect a broader crackdown on media freedom and transparency in Russia, with independent journalists and organizations facing increased threats and pressure from authorities. By supporting The Moscow Times, readers are standing with journalists who are committed to providing critical journalism in the face of censorship and repression. The organization is calling on readers to contribute financially to help sustain their work and maintain their independence in reporting on important issues in Russia and beyond.
The incident at the Lithuanian embassy in Moscow underscores the challenges faced by diplomatic missions in maintaining security and safety amid escalating tensions between countries. Acts of vandalism against embassies are not only damaging to diplomatic relations but also pose risks to embassy staff and property. The lack of intervention by Russian police during the vandalism incident raises concerns about the protection of diplomatic premises and the adherence to diplomatic norms and rules.
In conclusion, the incidents at the Lithuanian embassy in Moscow and the challenges faced by The Moscow Times highlight the importance of defending press freedom, independent journalism, and diplomatic norms in the face of repression and censorship. The acts of vandalism and the labeling of independent media as “undesirable” or “foreign agents” are concerning developments that threaten democratic values and the free flow of information. Supporting independent journalism and upholding diplomatic rules are essential in promoting transparency, accountability, and respectful relations between countries, even in times of conflict and tension.
