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Lithuanian Fringe Figure Gains Platform on Belarusian State Media
A Lithuanian man with a criminal record and far-right views has become a regular guest on Belarusian state television, where he is misleadingly presented as a “well-known Lithuanian politician.” Antanas Kandrotas, also known by the nickname “Celofanas” (Cellophane), has emerged as the latest Lithuanian citizen to appear on Belarusian propaganda programs following the recent convictions of two other pro-Russian Lithuanians.
Born in Kaunas in 1980, Kandrotas has no legitimate political credentials despite his portrayal on Belarusian television. His attempts to enter Lithuanian politics have repeatedly failed. In 2020, he intended to run for parliament with the “Union of Fighters for Lithuania,” a small far-right party, but the organization failed to complete the registration process. Earlier this year, he declared his intention to run for president representing his party “We Are Lithuania,” but authorities rejected his application due to incomplete documentation.
Kandrotas’s public record is dominated by criminal convictions rather than political achievements. In 2013, the Vilnius Regional Court first convicted him of financial fraud, sentencing him to one year and seven months in prison for creating a shell company that acquired assets on credit before disappearing. He received an identical sentence in 2017 for failing to pay approximately 700,000 euros in taxes related to a gasoline trading scheme.
His legal troubles have continued in recent years. In November 2023, he received a four-year prison sentence for financial fraud but was released early in 2025. More recently, in September 2025, he was sentenced to four years for participating in riots near the Lithuanian parliament, though this verdict remains under appeal. Additionally, a case against him for inciting hatred based on sexual orientation was heard in February, with prosecutors requesting a one-year prison term.
Kandrotas has built his public profile through involvement in anti-establishment protests and conspiracy theories. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he participated in demonstrations against public health restrictions, often provoking confrontations with police. In court appearances related to these incidents, he dramatically taped his mouth shut to protest mask mandates.
His activities have increasingly aligned with pro-Russian positions. He helped organize a march against civil partnerships in 2021 and participated in anti-Ukrainian rallies following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. On his Facebook page “Celofanas LIVE,” he has published content critical of Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who has been living in exile in Lithuania since 2020.
Questions about Kandrotas’s connections to Belarus emerged in 2021 when Lithuanian media spotted him driving a vehicle with diplomatic license plates typically used by foreign missions in Lithuania. While he claimed the car belonged to the Order of Malta, the organization publicly denied any association with him.
His ties to Belarus became more explicit in January 2022, when he visited the country alongside members of the anti-European “Dawn of Justice” party, meeting with then-Foreign Minister Vladimir Makei. During this visit, the delegation positioned themselves as representatives of “Lithuanian civil society” and criticized their government’s policies toward Belarus following the forced diversion of a Ryanair flight to arrest dissident journalist Raman Pratasevich.
The use of fringe figures like Kandrotas in Belarusian state media appears to be part of a broader propaganda strategy. Following the convictions of Lithuanians Laurynas Ragelskis and Erika Švenčionienė for their participation in pro-Russian media activities, Belarusian state television channels, particularly those broadcasting from Grodno near the Lithuanian border, have turned to Kandrotas as their new “Lithuanian voice.”
His elevation to “political expert” status on Belarusian television represents a concerning pattern of state-controlled media in Belarus presenting marginal, legally troubled individuals as legitimate representatives of neighboring countries, potentially to create the illusion of foreign support for government positions.
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14 Comments
This case raises important questions about the role of state media in shaping public discourse and the need for greater transparency and accountability when it comes to the individuals being given a platform.
That’s a valid point. The use of state media to amplify the voices of fringe figures with questionable backgrounds is a concerning practice that warrants further scrutiny and public debate.
While I appreciate the desire to present a diversity of views, the promotion of individuals with criminal records and failed political attempts raises serious ethical and journalistic concerns. More rigorous vetting is clearly needed.
I agree. Maintaining high standards of journalistic integrity and ensuring that legitimate, credible voices are given prominence should be a top priority, especially in the context of state-controlled media.
The fact that this individual has a criminal record and his political efforts have repeatedly failed raises serious questions about his legitimacy and motivations. It’s important to scrutinize these types of cases closely.
Absolutely. We should be wary of attempts to manipulate public discourse through the use of fringe figures with dubious credentials.
This is quite an interesting case of a fringe figure gaining a platform on Belarusian state media, despite having no real political credentials. It’s concerning to see disinformation being amplified in this way.
I agree, it’s troubling how some individuals with questionable backgrounds are being propped up as ‘well-known politicians’ in foreign propaganda outlets.
This case highlights the importance of maintaining a healthy, well-informed public discourse, free from the influence of propagandists and individuals with questionable motives. Vigilance is crucial.
I agree. It’s crucial that we scrutinize the credibility and intentions of those who seek to shape public opinion, especially when they have a history of criminal behavior or failed political efforts.
It’s concerning to see how easily some individuals can gain a platform on state-controlled media, even when they lack any real political legitimacy. This is a troubling trend that deserves closer examination.
Absolutely. We must be vigilant in identifying and calling out these attempts to manipulate public perception through the use of unqualified or dubious figures.
I’m curious to know more about the specific convictions and criminal background of this individual. It would be helpful to have a clearer understanding of the full context here.
That’s a good point. More details on his criminal record and past political activities would provide valuable context to better evaluate this situation.