Lithuanian prosecutors want MP Bartosevicius stripped of immunity amid sexual abuse probe

  • 2023-01-23
  • BNS/TBT Staff

VILNIUS – Lithuanian Prosecutor General Nida Grunskiene has asked the parliament to strip MP Kristijonas Bartosevicius of the conservative Homeland Union-Lithuanian Christian Democrats of his immunity amid a pre-trial investigation into a possible sexual offense against a minor.

The Prosecutor General's Office issued the press release on early Monday afternoon, a couple of hours after Bartosevicius confirmed to BNS that he was resigning as a member of the parliament "for personal reasons". 

The prosecutors say they are asking the Seimas for permission to prosecute Bartosevicius or "otherwise restrict his rights", based on the findings of the pre-trial investigation that was launched last November.

The probe is being conducted into offences under Articles 150(4), 153(1) and 150(3) of the Criminal Code, according to the press release.  

These articles provide for liability for "sexual assault" on and "molestation" of a young child or a minor. 

Under the Constitution, a member of the Seimas enjoys immunity from criminal prosecution, which can only be lifted by the parliament.

Elena Martinoniene, the prosecutor general's spokeswoman, refused to tell BNS if Bartosevicius had been questioned.

The man was elected to the parliament in 2020 on the Homeland Union-Lithuanian Christian Democrats' list.