| Abstract [eng] |
This thesis examines the concept and application of criminal liability for riots in the legal systems of Lithuania and selected foreign jurisdictions, aiming to determine the elements of the offence and the criteria for distinguishing it from other crimes. The study provides an in-depth analysis of the legal evolution of riots as a form of collective violent behavior, from historical Lithuanian law to modern case law - highlighting shifts between over - control and the protection of civil liberties. It discusses the core elements of the offence: object, protected interest (victim), objective and subjective elements and their significance for legal qualification and proof. In addition, it conducts a comparative analysis of Lithuanian, French, UK, and U.S. practice, underscoring differing approaches to assessing the degree of violence, collectivity, and informational incitement. The findings show that, in Lithuanian law, the demarcation of riots is grounded in the collective nature of conduct and the danger posed to public order, while digital participation is increasingly evaluated, raising the risk of expanding the boundaries of criminalization. The originality of the work lies in the first academic-level analysis of the circumstances of the August 10, 2021, riots near the Seimas and the case’s significance for the development of contemporary criminal law. The study emphasizes the importance of proportionality and constitutional rights protection when applying criminal measures. The conclusions confirm that an effective legal assessment of riots requires a balance between safeguarding public order and ensuring civil liberties, and that clear differentiation of the offence elements together with high evidentiary standards is essential to avoid over-criminalization and to maintain the impartiality of the justice system. |
