Lithuanian court convicts man for public approval of Soviet crimes

VILNIUS – A Vilnius court on Monday imposed restri ction of freedom for Jurijus Subotinas, resident of the country's eastern city of Visaginas, for publishing a comment that expressed support to Soviet deportations.

"Thank you Stalin, Snieckus and the Soviet administration. Those who do not like being with Russia – get lost from Lithuania, you can go to America," Subotinas said in a comment under an article in an online portal.

Judge Robertas Rainys said Subotinas would have to be at his home between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. every day for the next 14 months. The verdict is not final and can be appealed.

"Of course, I will appeal. I did not write it, it is not the first time someone is writing on my behalf," Subotinas told BNS.

He was found guilty under the article of the Criminal Code, which criminalizes public support to international crimes, Soviet or Nazi crimes against the Republic of Lithuania or its residents, denial or gross humiliation.

Such crimes can be punished by a fine, restriction of freedom, arrest of up to two years in prison.

Subotinas had registered for the 2014 presidential race.