Lithuanian Muslim community poses no security threat – Prime Minister

Lithuanian Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius stated on Wednesday that there is no evidence to suggest the country's Muslim community poses a threat to national security, as a parliamentary committee was set to investigate a Muslim religious organization known as the Council of Lithuanian Muslim Religious Communities. The committee, specifically the Seimas Committee on National Security and Defence, planned to examine the group's activities, including its potential ties to other Islamist organizations and any possible security risks.

This examination was initiated by conservative lawmaker Dalia Asanavičiūtė-Gružauskienė, who expressed concerns over the organization's establishment, its impact on the Lithuanian Muslim community, and its international connections.

Following the committee's closed session, Interior Minister Martynas Katelynas confirmed to reporters that Lithuanian intelligence has no evidence indicating that members of Lithuania's Muslim community pose a threat to national security. The muftiate, or the Council of Lithuanian Muslim Religious Communities, has previously denied allegations of posing a security threat, with Mufti Aleksandras Beganskas noting that Muslims in Lithuania do not feel safe and have received threats personally.

The muftiate also called for authorities to ensure the community's safety, following a contentious incident near a mosque in Kaunas on September 11, where bikers gathered during Muslim prayers, chanted nationalist slogans, and brought a pig's head. The demonstration was reportedly directed against Muslims, and the muftiate has urged the community to remain calm and not respond to provocations.