“From the content of the statements of Seimas member R. Žemaitaitis and their systematic repetition, it can be concluded that these statements are characterized by continuous incitement of hatred, promotion of anti-Semitic attitudes, creation of hostility, which is directly directed against one national minority – the Jewish nation and the State of Israel,” the indictment reads. in the text.
The motion for impeachment was signed by 36 parliamentarians, including the leader of the Liberal Movement, Speaker of the Seimas, Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen, and the elders of the ruling conservative, Liberal Movement and Freedom Party factions.
In the assessment of those in power, such systematically repeated statements are aimed at promoting violence, hostility, justifying hatred against the entire Jewish people and provoking social and national discord, which is incompatible with the Constitution and the country’s interests in the field of international relations.
The text of the impeachment contains the records of R. Žemaitaitis, such as: “It turns out that without Putin, other animals appeared in the world – ISRAEL”; “We the Lithuanian people must never forget the Jews and Russians who very actively contributed to the DESTRUCTION of our NATION!” and others.
R. Žemaitaitis said that he believes that there is no basis for his accusation and added that “every psychopath is given the opportunity to do this thing.”
“(…) Here is the top. Well, what can I say now, you want caged lieutenant’s daughter Čmilytė to play games, we will play,” he told BNS on Friday.
He said that he hoped that the members of the Seimas would have enough “common sense” not to support the impeachment and not to vote.
“But if there is a very strong desire, you can vote. Each mandate is free to decide, free to vote. Gentlemen will vote as they wish,” said R. Žemaitaitis.
At the end of August, the coalition council of ruling conservatives, liberals and the Freedom Party decided to initiate impeachment against R. Žemaitaič for his anti-Semitic remarks.
At least 36 members of the Seimas can propose to the Seimas to start the impeachment process.
According to the statute of the Seimas, after the impeachment initiative is announced in the Seimas, a special investigation commission must be formed to examine the validity of the submitted proposals to initiate impeachment proceedings and to prepare a conclusion on the grounds for initiating impeachment proceedings. After examining all the circumstances, the commission will make a proposal as to whether or not there is a basis to initiate impeachment proceedings.
After deciding that there are grounds for impeachment, the Seimas should apply to the Constitutional Court to determine whether the parliamentarian violated the Constitution and broke the oath or not.
If a violation is established, the resolution on revoking the mandate of a member of the Seimas is considered adopted if at least three fifths or at least 85 members of the Seimas voted for it.
In June, R. Žemaitaitis published several anti-Semitic statements on his Facebook account: he was angry with Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė’s visit to Israel, accused Jews of deporting and killing Lithuanians. The politician praised the news about Israel’s demolition of a Palestinian school, compared Israel to Russian President Vladimir Putin waging war in Ukraine, and quoted an anti-Semitic poem.
The Prosecutor General’s Office opened pre-trial investigations into public contempt and incitement of hatred against any nation, race, ethnic, religious or other group of people following the politician’s statements at the end of June. The prosecutor’s office promised to make further decisions after receiving expert conclusions.
The parliamentarian’s remarks have been condemned by Lithuanian leaders and diplomats of other countries.
Due to one of these statements – about the demolished Palestinian school – the party “Freedom and Justice” suspended the membership of R. Žemaitaitis in the party.
The member of the Seimas confirmed his statements about Jews based on material found in the archives.
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#authorities #collected #signatures #impeachment #Žemaitaičis #antiSemitic #statements
**Interview with R. Žemaitaitis: A Deep Dive into the Impeachment Controversy**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Mr. Žemaitaitis. There’s been significant discourse surrounding the impeachment motion against you, particularly related to your statements about the Jewish community and Israel. Could you clarify your perspective on the accusations being made?
**R. Žemaitaitis:** Thank you for having me. I believe that there is no real basis for the accusations against me. This is just a political maneuver, and I think it’s critical for everyone involved to maintain common sense. The statements I made were not meant to incite hate or violence.
**Editor:** Some members of the Seimas, including the Speaker, have indicated that your remarks are promoting hostility and anti-Semitic sentiments. How do you respond to their claims?
**R. Žemaitaitis:** The quotes taken from my statements have been exaggerated and taken out of context. Every time I express an opinion, it seems that it’s twisted to fit a narrative of hatred. I understand that my words can be contentious, but labeling them as outright anti-Semitic is unjust.
**Editor:** Could you elaborate on your comments referring to a connection between internal discord and people you mentioned? How do you reconcile those assertions with the current political climate?
**R. Žemaitaitis:** I was highlighting historical grievances and frustrations. When I spoke about certain nationalities, I was expressing collective memory, not inciting hatred. People are sensitive to such conversations, and sensitivities can be misconstrued as incitement.
**Editor:** With 36 members having signed the motion for your impeachment, do you believe this action may have broader implications for political discourse in Lithuania?
**R. Žemaitaitis:** Absolutely. This sets a worrying precedent. If we begin to silence political opinions under the guide of ‘hate speech,’ we risk undermining free expression. I hope my colleagues see this attempt for what it is and choose to protect our democratic rights.
**Editor:** What do you anticipate happening as the impeachment process unfolds? And what are your next steps if it advances?
**R. Žemaitaitis:** I trust that the members of the Seimas will ultimately act in the best interest of their constituents, and I hope they won’t support this impeachment. If it advances, we will prepare to present our case clearly—gather evidence, seek support, and aim to demonstrate that what I said was misinterpreted.
**Editor:** what message do you have for those who fear your statements could incite real-world hostility against minorities?
**R. Žemaitaitis:** My intention has never been to promote hostility. I want to urge those concerned to look at my words critically and consider the broader context. We need to encourage open dialogue, not shut it down through fear of backlash.
**Editor:** Thank you for your insights, Mr. Žemaitaitis. We appreciate you taking the time to discuss such a complex issue.
**R. Žemaitaitis:** Thank you for having me. I look forward to continuing this conversation.
