VILNIUS – Claiming ill health, removed former president Rolandas Paksas continued his period of recuperation in the resort town of Palanga on Friday as reports surfaced that the basis for his failure to appear before prosecutors in Vilnius was illegal.
State television reported Thursday night that Paksas' claim of sick leave with SoDra, the national social benefits agency had no legal grounds, as the request would have been made after the Seimas (Lithuania's parliament) removed his powers, rendering him unemployed.
According to regulations, only employed persons can claim sick leave with SoDra, which exempts them from duties such as Paksas' obligation to the prosecutors.
On Apr. 13, Paksas' lawyers explained to the office of the General Prosecutor that the former head of state could not appear for interrogation on account of legal convalescence.
However, news footage of Paksas playing tennis that same week raised doubts as to the legitimacy of his sick leave.
On the night of Apr. 6—the same day he was removed from office—Paksas was rushed to a Vilnius hospital, where he remained overnight for treatment related to complications from high blood pressure.
