A Lithuanian court convicted Remigijus Žemaiteitis (Remigijus Žemaitaitis) of inciting hatred against Jews and downplaying Nazi crimes and the Holocaust in social media posts and a public speech from May to June 2023.

The judge ruled the language used was degrading, violated human dignity, and went beyond what is protected by free speech, constituting mockery, humiliation, and incitement of hatred.

Prosecutors had sought a much higher fine, but the court imposed a 5,000-euro penalty; the outcome underscores the legal weight of anti-Semitic statements and Holocaust denial.

Žemaitaitis was ordered to pay the 5,000 euros within two months and may appeal to the Court of Appeals within 20 days.

The Social Democrats condemned antisemitism and Holocaust denial, stating the decision is not final yet and should be respected as part of upholding anti-discrimination norms.

The conviction concerns the leader of a party in the governing coalition, known for his anti-Semitic remarks and minimization of Nazi crimes, under the Lithuanian criminal code.

Prosecutors argued for a higher fine of around 51,000 euros and a victims’ fund contribution, while Žemaitaitis denied wrongdoing and sought acquittal.

The case rests on seven social media posts from May–June 2023, plus a 2023 parliamentary speech and a June 2023 exchange with a journalist, forming the core of the court’s assessment.

Public discussion centers on the ruling’s implications for politics and society, including potential effects on ministerial appointments under the Star Nyamunas party.

Žemaitaitis did not attend the hearing and plans to appeal, framing the decision as politicized.

The case traces back to Facebook posts about Israel and Jews, which also prompted impeachment proceedings and attention from the Constitutional Court in 2023; Žemaitaitis resigned and was re-elected in 2024.

The conviction relied on criminal code provisions for incitement against protected groups and for denial or belittlement of Nazi or Soviet crimes.