Lithuanian MP Steponavicius says won't step down, denies abusing powers

  • 2017-04-13
  • BNS/TBT Staff

VILNIUS - Gintaras Steponavicius of the Lithuanian Liberal Movement says that he does not plan to step down as a member of the Seimas and denies having abused his powers as a lawmaker.

"I do not agree with what the prosecutors regard as a misuse of powers by me as a member of the Seimas because as a politician I have never done anything counters to the law," Steponavicius told reporters on Thursday.

The Liberal lawmaker said that he would ask Viktoras Pranckietis, the speaker of the Seimas, to expedite the procedures for lifting his immunity.

"I am ready to cooperate with the law enforcement and prove in court that I am right," he said.

Prosecutor General Evaldas Pasilis on Thursday formally asked the Seimas to strip MP Steponavicius of his immunity from criminal prosecution.

Prosecutors say that they have sufficient grounds to believe that the member of the Liberal Movement's political group in the parliament has voted in favor of legislation benefiting the interests of MG Baltic.