The Council of Europe’s advisory body on constitutional law, the Venice Commission, is warning Lithuania against legislation that could appear to target the current top management of the country’s public broadcaster, Lithuanian National Radio and Television (LRT), BNS reports. The commission recommended that planned new rules on dismissing LRT’s director general only apply to office holders appointed after proposed amendments to the public broadcaster law take effect. Under the draft law, the new dismissal rules would enter into force immediately on adoption by the parliament, the Seimas. LRT’s current director general, Monika Garbaciauskaite-Budriene, has suggested that the amendments are aimed at her removal. The Venice Commission’s draft opinion raises further concerns that the proposed amendments may violate the European Convention on Human Rights and interfere with media pluralism and independence. The commission urged the parliament to conduct a comprehensive impact assessment and consult with LRT and other stakeholders.
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