Quran burning, mosque incident stir migration debate in Lithuania

The burning of a Quran in Vilnius and an incident outside a historic Tatar mosque in Kaunas have intensified debate over immigration and religious tensions in Lithuania, public broadcaster LRT reported Wednesday.

A video showing a Quran being burned in central Vilnius circulated over the weekend, though police said the incident took place on Sept. 13. In Kaunas, bikers brought a pig’s head outside the mosque, shouted and sang during prayers, and allegedly threatened members of the Muslim community.

Mufti Aleksandras Beganskas said he had heard of threats to burn the mosque and harm him and his family.

The incidents have drawn differing political responses. Lawmaker Tomas Tomilinas accused unnamed figures of inciting discord, while opposition Homeland Union leader Laurynas Kasciunas called for a significant reduction in the annual quota for foreign workers.

Kasciunas proposed lowering the quota from nearly 25,000 this year to about 10,000, with exemptions for highly skilled workers. He also suggested recruiting from countries he considers culturally closer to Lithuania.

Interior Minister Martynas Katelynas said the quota system was not working and that he was preparing a new migration policy model. Social Security Minister Inga Ruginiene, however, said the current system was strict and functioned effectively.

The quota for this year was exhausted in early September. Business representatives have warned that Lithuania needs a clearer long-term migration policy.

Lithuanian Tatars, also known as Lipka Tatars, have lived in the region since the late 14th century. The Kaunas Mosque, built by the Tatar community in the period between the two world wars, reflects that centuries-old Muslim presence.