Lithuania considers ban on pro-Russian artists

Lithuania's parliament is considering a legislative amendment that would prohibit pro-Russian artists from entering the country for five years. This marks the second attempt by politician V. Kernagis to introduce changes to the Law on the Legal Status of Foreigners, after an initial proposal was returned for refinement in April.

The proposed amendment specifically targets individuals in the entertainment industry who have conducted cultural, concert, entertainment, or related activities in Russia, Belarus, or occupied Ukrainian territories since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began on February 24, 2022. Kernagis argues this measure is necessary in light of Russia and Belarus being identified as states posing a threat to Lithuania's national security in the Seimas-approved National Security Strategy.

According to Kernagis, adopting these amendments would create conditions for more effectively defending Lithuania's information and cultural sphere and safeguarding national security. While existing laws allow for restricting the entry of foreigners, Kernagis believes the current regulations lack sufficient detail when addressing individuals involved in cultural or entertainment activities in countries deemed a threat to Lithuania's security.

This initiative follows a previous attempt in April where parliamentarians did not support Kernagis's proposal to ban pro-Russian artists. However, the amendments were not rejected outright and were sent back to the initiator for further development. The news agency ELTA noted that reproduction of the text is prohibited without written consent.