After Nausėda’s speech, strong reaction from anti-violence organizations: ask for a reasoned explanation

Hinted at freedom of speech and education.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday about the Istanbul Convention, the head of state emphasized the need for a proper discussion of this document. According to him, more and more quality discussions are emerging.

“The Istanbul Convention is a serious document that addresses both violence against women and the introduction of the term ‘gender’, which is a sufficient innovation in our political vocabulary. I examine it very carefully, I appreciate its various moments. I see that some of the provisions are also linked to certain consequences for our education, including freedom of expression.

Therefore, we must consider this document very carefully. That is why I welcome the decision to discuss this anyway, to decide on the ratification itself later. Today, what I lack most is the cultural debate, ”said G. Nausėda about the discussions on the Istanbul Convention on Tuesday.

He said he supported the decision of the Seimas to consider this issue only in the fall session, after long and high-quality discussions.

It was the president’s words in which he stated that “IIstanbul Convention Document – aut. last.) I really examine, evaluate various moments very carefully and I see that some of its provisions are related to certain consequences for our education and even freedom of expression ”, drew the attention of the Lithuanian Women’s Rights Association.

False argument

The Lithuanian Women’s Rights Association, which brings together 16 Specialized Complex Assistance Centers that provide assistance to people who have suffered domestic violence throughout Lithuania, is convinced that both freedom of expression and the freedom to live without violence are fundamental human freedoms.

Currently, 58.5 thousand complaints of domestic violence are received in Lithuania per year. Up to 60 percent of those who experienced violence did not report it anywhere.

“Why? Because they fear the usual accusation of the victim in society. Today, victims of domestic violence can say that their freedom, including freedom of expression, is restricted if they feel ignored, unaccepted or unresponsive. to their request for help.The document defending them (the Istanbul Convention) does not and cannot contain any opposition to the freedoms.

It is very disappointing that the President of the Republic of Lithuania, instead of uniting a society misunderstood by misinterpreted terms and concepts, easily missed another very powerful and completely false argument: the danger to freedom of expression.

Please and we hope that the President of the Republic of Lithuania, Gitanas Nausėda, explains and corroborates his statement, and at the same time expresses his support for the organizations that have designated activities to combat violence, supporting the ratification of the Istanbul Convention ” , the Association said in a statement.