Visvaldas Mažonas

Visvaldas Marijus Mažonas (born August 25, 1941, in Šiauliai) is a controversial figure of the radical right-wing political movement in Lithuania. He was a leader of a branch of the Lithuanian Patriotic Union (Lietuvos patriotų sąjunga) in Kaunas and participated in the 2004 election to the Seimas (Lithuanian Parliament).[1]

Before plunging into politics, Mažonas held various jobs as a policeman, driver, security guard, and construction worker.[1] He entered the political scene after the impeachment of Rolandas Paksas, former President of Lithuania. During the impeachment, Mažonas supported Paksas, attended various protest meetings, and vowed to "maintain order".[2] During one incident, when he attempted to "keep order", Mažonas hit a high school student, who opposed Paksas. The event attracted media attention and Mažonas faced criminal charges (eventually reduced to misdemeanor).[3] Paksas did not immediately distance himself from Mažonas.[4]

Mažonas is known for disorderly conduct, provocations, insulting speeches,[5] threats to overthrow the government,[6] and displaying stylized Nazi swastikas.[7] He and his supporters often wear black uniforms.[8][9] During the trial of the suspected Holocaust perpetrator Algimantas Dailidė, Mažonas held signs supporting Dailidė.[10] In another incident, he protested a monument to Danielius Dolskis, a Lithuanian Jew.[11] Mažonas often collaborates with another extremist, Mindaugas Murza.[12]