„Cases of possible sexual crimes against minors have been handed over to the Prosecutor’s Office. Recently, we have also seen cases of violence among minors. These are very serious signals, raising the question of whether our child protection system really works as it should,“ the head of government posted on social media on Friday.
He announced that on Monday he would invite the leadership of the Ministries of the Interior, Social Security and Labour, Education, Science and Sports, and the Child Rights Protection Service to a meeting.
„We have heard more than one assessment, but ultimately it is necessary to clearly identify where the problem lies: is it necessary to change the laws? Or should more attention be paid to the application of the laws already in force?“ said the prime minister.
„What is missing to ensure that children are safe, and those who have experienced violence are not rejected and unheard. That no institution’s reputation is raised above the interests of the child,“ he asserted.
As BNS wrote, cases of two priests accused of sexual crimes against children have been handed over to the courts.
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One priest is accused of sexual crimes against 11 minors. According to law enforcement data, 34 criminal episodes were recorded – from forcing children to consume alcohol to their sexual abuse. The crimes were committed over 23 years – from 2002 to 2025. This case has been handed over to the Vilnius Regional Court for trial.
In another case handed over to the Vilnius City District Court, another priest is accused of possession of child pornography; there are no victims in this case.
Earlier, reports were made about violence among minors. In mid-July in Marijampolė, in Poetry Park, a minor girl was beaten by peers. Other persons nearby watched and filmed the incident, and the recording with violent images against the minor spread on social networks the same evening.
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