You're reading: Protests urge ‘no’ vote in Lithuanian nuke ballot

VILNIUS, Lithuania — Dozens of anti-nuclear protests have gathered in the Lithuanian capital to urge voters to say 'no' to plans for a new atomic power plant.

Activists from Greenpeace led Wednesday’s demonstration,
hanging a large banner on a bridge spanning the Neris River in downtown
Vilnius, the Baltic nation’s capital.

Lithuania is holding a nonbinding referendum on Sunday to gauge the level of popular support for a new nuclear facility.

Supporters say a new plant will ensure energy independence from neighboring Russia,
while critics say the project is far too expensive and uses unproven
technology. The plant would be built by Japan’s Hitachi consortium.

A poll conducted in May suggested two-thirds of Lithuanians oppose the idea of a new atomic power plant.