Lithuanian Probation Service head denies violence allegations after court revokes protection order

A Lithuanian court has overturned a domestic violence protection order against Romas Ostanavičius, director of the Lithuanian Probation Service (LPT), who denies any wrongdoing, state broadcaster LRT reports.

Ostanavičius announced on Monday that the Vilnius court had revoked the 15-day order issued against him on April 5, following allegations of a domestic dispute. In a Facebook post, he stated: “Everyone knows that emotions and hasty statements hinder an objective assessment of the situation. I assure you that the information published in the public space about me does not correspond to reality—I am categorically against any form of violence. This was confirmed by the court, which, in its ruling of April 10, 2026, annulled the protection order previously issued against me.”

The order had been imposed after police received a report suggesting Ostanavičius, while allegedly intoxicated, left his home with a firearm following a possible conflict in Vilnius. Police later clarified that Ostanavičius voluntarily presented himself at a police station, was sober, and carried no weapon. The firearm in question was found secured in a home safe.

Under Lithuanian law, protection orders are issued by police for 15 days upon reports of potential domestic violence, requiring the subject to temporarily leave their residence and avoid contact with the alleged victim. Police spokesperson Ramūnas Matonis confirmed that no signs of violence were detected at the scene, and no pre-trial investigation was launched.

Justice Minister Rita Tamašunienė, who met with Ostanavičius last week, stated she was awaiting full details from law enforcement before considering any further steps regarding his position. Ostanavičius has led the LPT since 2022, appointed to a five-year term.