The attack on former Alexei Navalny’s chief of staff Leonid Volkov in Vilnius is the first case of political terrorism in Lithuania, Vilmantas Vitkauskas, head of the Lithuanian National Crisis Management Centre, told LRT Radio on Thursday, the 14th of March, adding that it was too early to say who was behind the attack.
“This is the first time that such an incident, such a case of political aggression, political terrorism has happened in our soil,” Vitkauskas was quoted as saying.
Vitkauskas stressed that the ongoing investigations are revealing more and more the professionalism and careful planning of the operation, which shows that the perpetrators were either carefully prepared or received excellent instructions.
“Based on the information we have, it appears to have been a well-planned and professional operation,”
he added.
Vitkauskas confirmed that discussions are ongoing on increased protection for Russian and Belarusian opposition figures living in Lithuania, and following recent discussions with representatives of the security services, certain mechanisms are being put in place.
In response to the attack on Volkov, the authorities have increased their vigilance and activated new algorithms to detect threats. Vitkauskas pointed out that
the upcoming elections in Russia further motivate the reinforcement of security measures.
The State Security Department said on Wednesday that the attack was most likely organised and carried out by Russia “in the context of the upcoming undemocratic Russian presidential elections”.
Leonid Volkov was attacked with a hammer outside his home in Vilnius on Tuesday evening. After receiving medical assistance, he continues to get well at home. A pre-trial investigation has been opened for minor injuries.
Police stop line outside Leonid Volkov’s housecin Vilnius where he was assaulted. pic.twitter.com/iMCPNKu1Ux
— Andrius Sytas (@andrius_sytas) March 12, 2024
Read the full article in English here: https://www.lrt.lt/en/news-in-english/19/2221872/attack-on-volkov-is-first-case-of-political-terrorism-in-lithuania-official
Also read: Navalny’s ally Volkov attacked with a hammer in Lithuania
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