Lithuania’s probation service chief issued domestic violence protection order after armed incident

The head of Lithuania’s Probation Service, Romas Ostanavičius, was issued a domestic violence protection order on Sunday after police responded to a conflict at his home, during which he left with a firearm, LRT.lt reports. Justice Minister Rita Tamašunienė met with Ostanavičius on Tuesday to assess his future in the role, pending an investigation.

Police launched a search for Ostanavičius on Monday after he disappeared from his home with a weapon following a domestic dispute. He later surrendered to authorities of his own accord. According to Ramūnas Matonis, head of the Police Department’s Communications Division, officers responded to a call at 21:18 on Sunday reporting a conflict, after which a man—later identified as Ostanavičius—left the residence armed.

“On Sunday, after receiving a report of a possible domestic conflict, a protection order was issued,” Matonis told LRT.lt. “Under procedure, the order requires confiscating any firearms the individual possesses. On Monday, the person voluntarily came to the police station, was tested for sobriety [and found sober], and officers later retrieved his weapon from his home.”

A pre-trial investigation has not been opened, but authorities are clarifying the circumstances. Under Lithuanian law, a 15-day protection order is issued if police determine a risk of domestic violence after assessing the situation. The order prohibits the individual from approaching the home of the alleged victim for the duration.

Ostanavičius has appealed the protection order, a process that may take several days. The Justice Ministry, which oversees the Probation Service, stated that Tamašunienė would decide on his future in the position after reviewing the investigation’s findings. “We are awaiting full clarification of the circumstances before making any decisions,” said Božena Zaborovska-Zdanovič, the minister’s representative. “The family has chosen to appeal the order, but it’s important that the protection mechanism worked immediately.”

Ostanavičius, who has led the Probation Service since December 2021, was granted the rank of internal service general in 2022.