Lithuanian prison service launches probe into alleged inmate beatings in Alytus

The Lithuanian Prison Service has launched a pre-trial investigation into the alleged beating of two inmates at Alytus Prison last Friday, public broadcaster LRT reports.

Mindaugas Kairys, head of the Prison Service, confirmed on Wednesday that the investigation had begun under Article 138 of the Criminal Code, which covers minor bodily harm. Conviction under this article can result in restrictions on liberty, detention, or imprisonment for up to five years.

The probe follows a report by the prisoners’ rights association Kalinių sąjunga on Monday, which claimed that two inmates were beaten in Alytus Prison on the evening of March 20, with one requiring hospitalisation. The association has accused prison guards of responsibility for the incident.

The Prison Service initially confirmed the investigation to news portal Delfi on Tuesday, stating that both a pre-trial inquiry and an internal service review had been launched to determine the circumstances of the alleged injuries.