Lithuanian lawmakers propose laws to limit Russian influence on the Orthodox Church, citing security risks. However, Justice Deputy Minister Barbara Aliaševičienė warns the measures may violate the Constitution, particularly regarding property rights. She argues the current threat level does not justify such broad sanctions. Legal experts also caution against creating laws for specific cases, noting that existing procedures should address violations. The initiative aims to transfer church buildings and define traditional religious communities, but critics say it lacks constitutional basis and proper legal process.
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Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Guillermo Pérez on UnsplashPersecuted church
Former Lithuanian priest Tadas Švedavičius partially admitted guilt during a trial at the Vilnius Regional Court on Thursday, according to prosecutor Egidijus Motiejūnas. He declined to give testimony at this stage. Švedavičius faces 34 charges involving child sexual abuse, pornography, and involving minors in drinking. The victims, now adults, participated remotely. The trial was delayed to allow a new lawyer to review the case. Additionally, the Vatican has removed him from the clerical state, though criminal proceedings continue. The case remains closed to the public.
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Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Pujalin on UnsplashPersecuted church
A prosecutor plans to read the formal indictment in the Vilnius Regional Court on Thursday regarding former priest Tadas Švedavičius. The case involves sexual crimes against children. Švedavičius arrived at the court avoiding media attention, repeatedly saying sorry. The trial will be held in closed session with victims participating remotely. The Vilnius Archdiocese announced that the Pope has removed him from the clerical state, though this does not stop the criminal proceedings. The case involves 11 victims. The trial was previously delayed because the defendant hired a new lawyer who needed time to review the case files.
The Vilnius District Council in Lithuania voted again to remove a proposal to rename streets honoring Cardinal Henryk Gulbinowicz from its agenda. The initiative, supported by 16 council members, was blocked by the LLRA-KŠS faction. Councilor Danielius Ilkevičius criticized the decision, arguing it protects individuals accused of child sexual abuse. Conversely, councilor Renata Sobieska stated the faction does not defend pedophilia but disputes the evidence. The Vatican sanctioned Gulbinowicz in 2020 for sexual exploitation of minors and covering up crimes. Despite this, he remains an honorary citizen of the district.
Russia has released American citizen Stephen Hubbard, who was imprisoned on allegations of fighting in Ukraine. US envoy Steve Witkoff announced the release on Wednesday after meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Saint Petersburg. According to Russian news agencies, Hubbard is currently at Pulkovo Airport. Witkoff thanked the Kremlin for the prisoner's release during the meeting. The incident marks a diplomatic development between the United States and Russia regarding the fate of Americans detained in Russia.
The Vatican has granted a request from Tadas Švedavičius to be released from the clerical state, the Vilnius Archdiocese announced. This decision strips him of his priestly status and authority to perform sacraments, though it does not halt ongoing criminal proceedings. Švedavičius faces charges related to child sexual abuse and pornography spanning 23 years. He voluntarily sought dismissal and promised compensation to victims. The Archdiocese emphasized its commitment to child protection and urged reporting of abuse to authorities.
Lithuanian Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius stated that he has not received proposals from institutions, including the State Security Department, on how to curb potential Kremlin influence over the Orthodox Church. However, he expressed openness to discussions aimed at preventing soft power and brainwashing. Intelligence reports indicate the church supports Russian regime narratives, despite public condemnations of the war in Ukraine by church leadership. Meanwhile, Conservative MPs Audronius Ažubalis and Arvydas Anušauskas have registered legislative amendments to transfer control of six religious sites from the Moscow Patriarchate to the Ecumenical Patriarchate's exarchate.
Lithuanian lawmakers Audronius Ažubalis and Arvydas Anušauskas have registered bill amendments to restrict the influence of hostile states through religious institutions. The proposals aim to clarify state recognition conditions for religious communities and address property disputes involving historic Orthodox and Sunni Muslim sites. According to the parliamentarians, the changes seek to reduce the Moscow Patriarchate's impact, citing a 2026 State Security Department report on national security risks. The legislation would transfer specific church buildings to the Ecumenical Patriarchate's Lithuanian Exarchate and mosques to the Muftiate. The measures are scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2027.
Lithuanian Justice Minister Rita Tamašunienė stated that her ministry is collaborating with other institutions to find legal solutions for threats arising from religious communities. She noted that while the church is separated from the state, regulations are limited. The government met with the Security Department to address risks linked to the Orthodox Church and the Muslim Muftiate. Intelligence reports suggest the Orthodox Church supports Russian ideological narratives. The minister highlighted that the Lithuanian Orthodox Archbishopric has stopped prayers for the Moscow Patriarch. Meanwhile, Estonia recently passed laws banning religious groups subordinate to foreign leaders deemed a security risk.
Faina Kukliansky, president of the Lithuanian Jewish Community, says antisemitism causes significant concern in Lithuania. She reports three threats to bomb a synagogue and kill Jews. The community lacks official security protocols and relies on volunteers. Kukliansky urges stronger preventive measures, noting that other European nations provide armed police protection. She highlights ongoing cases of vandalism and praises Vilnius prosecutor Justas Lauciaus for his support. Kukliansky also commends Lithuania’s measured response to the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel.
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