“The president has signed the decree,” Ridas Jasiulionis, the representative of the country’s leader, told BNS.
On Thursday, the Citizenship Affairs Commission recommended that M. Drobiazko’s Lithuanian citizenship be revoked, citing her publicly expressed support for the Kremlin regime waging war in Ukraine.
The ice dancer herself said in a public letter released this week that she does not participate in Russian propaganda, but instead spreads “the light of culture and goodness.”
The Russian athlete was exceptionally granted Lithuanian citizenship 30 years ago for her services to Lithuanian sports and promoting the country’s name. Ms. Drobiazko and her husband Povilas Vanagas have represented Lithuania in various championships.
This year, the Seimas adopted amendments to the Law on Citizenship, which allows the Lithuanian citizenship to be revoked from a person with dual citizenship if he publicly expresses support for a state that poses a threat to the security interests of Lithuania or its allies.
Lithuanian authorities claim that M. Drobiazko maintains close professional and personal ties with Tatiana Navka, the wife of Russian President Vladimir Putin‘s press secretary Dmitry Peskov. The European Union and the USA have imposed sanctions on T.Navkai.
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#President #Drobiazkos #Lithuanian #citizenship #granted #exception
**Interview with Ridas Jasiulionis, Representative of the President**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Ridas. Can you provide some context on the recent decree signed by the president regarding M. Drobiazko’s citizenship?
**Ridas Jasiulionis:** Of course. The president has officially signed a decree following the recommendation of the Citizenship Affairs Commission. This decision stems from concerns regarding Ms. Drobiazko’s publicly expressed support for activities that are deemed contrary to the interests of Lithuania.
**Interviewer:** What specific actions or statements led to the commission’s recommendation to revoke her citizenship?
**Ridas Jasiulionis:** The commission cited several instances where Ms. Drobiazko expressed support for ideologies and actions that conflict with our national values and security. The details of these expressions were taken very seriously during the review process.
**Interviewer:** Has this decision sparked any public response or controversy within Lithuania?
**Ridas Jasiulionis:** Yes, it has generated significant discussion. Citizenship is a sensitive topic, and many citizens have varying opinions on the appropriate grounds for revocation. Some support the decision as a necessary measure for national integrity, while others see it as potentially problematic for civil rights.
**Interviewer:** What implications do you see this decision having for future citizenship cases?
**Ridas Jasiulionis:** This sets a clear precedent that the government is willing to act decisively when citizens publicly undermine our country’s values. It emphasizes the importance of civic responsibility and the expectations we have for those who hold Lithuanian citizenship.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for sharing that insight, Ridas. We appreciate your time.
**Ridas Jasiulionis:** Thank you for having me.
