VILNIUS – On Thursday, a Lithuanian court handed down a conviction to a leader of one of the nation’s coalition government parties for antisemitic remarks, imposing a fine of 5,000 euros (approximately $5,800).

The Vilnius district court determined that Remigijus Žemaitaitis had incited hatred towards Jewish people, significantly downplayed the atrocities committed by Nazi Germany, and offensively trivialized the Holocaust. This penalty was less severe than what prosecutors had sought, which included a 51,000-euro fine (around $60,000) and a contribution to a victims’ crime fund.

The legal proceedings stemmed from Žemaitaitis’s social media activity and public statements in May and June 2023. In them, he questioned, “Apparently, for our journalists and local Lithuanian Jews, the demolition of schools in Palestine is yet another pastime?!” Additionally, he referenced an antisemitic nursery rhyme and made remarks about World War II events.

Judge Nida Vigelienė commented that “Žemaitaitis chose and used language that was degrading, violated human dignity, and demonstrated hatred.”

In 2024, Žemaitaitis stepped down from Lithuania’s parliament following a constitutional court decision that found he had breached his oath and violated the constitution through his statements.

Despite this, he made a political comeback later that year, leading the populist Nemuno Aušra party to join a coalition government headed by the center-left Social Democrats. Žemaitaitis himself does not hold a position in Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė’s Cabinet.

In Thursday’s ruling, the Vilnius court found that his rhetoric exceeded the limits of freedom of expression.

Žemaitaitis, who denies any wrongdoing and is expected to appeal, wasn’t present at the hearing. He told reporters afterward that “everybody understands that this is a politicized decision.”

The Social Democrats said on Facebook that any form of antisemitism, hate speech or Holocaust denial is unacceptable and incompatible with their values. They said they respect the court’s decision, but noted that it isn’t yet final.