Lithuania’s Constitutional Court reviews convicted abuser’s appeal for early release

Lithuania’s Constitutional Court on Thursday examined an individual complaint from Remigijus Jakštys, a former youth mentor convicted of sexually abusing minors, who is challenging the legal ban on parole for such offences, LRT reports.

Jakštys argues that the current Penal Execution Code, which prohibits parole for those convicted of sexual crimes against minors, violates constitutional principles of equality before the law, the right to a fair trial, and the administration of justice. His appeal follows rejected petitions in Kaunas Regional and District Courts, which upheld the restriction, stating it prevents early release for offenders convicted of child sexual abuse regardless of individual circumstances.

The convicted man claims the law removes any possibility of conditional release based solely on the category of crime, without considering behaviour during imprisonment, rehabilitation efforts, or personal character. He contends this undermines judicial fairness and the right to an individualised assessment of risk and social reintegration.

Jakštys has requested the Constitutional Court to declare the contested provision unconstitutional. Should his arguments prevail, he urges the Seimas (Lithuanian parliament) to amend the law within six months, allowing courts to evaluate parole eligibility on a case-by-case basis while maintaining child protection standards.

A ruling is expected within 30 days. The case was reviewed in writing without oral arguments, according to Giedrė Maksimaitytė, an advisor to the Constitutional Court.

Background

Jakštys, a former mentor, was sentenced in December 2023 by Kaunas District Court to 1 year and 8 months in prison for abusing three students under 16. Combined with a prior conviction, his total sentence stands at 4 years and 3 months. He has been incarcerated in Pravieniškės Prison since April 2024 and was previously detained in a separate case involving minors.

The latest conviction also orders him to pay €8,000 in compensation to three victims. Prosecutors allege the abuses occurred between November 2018 and February 2020, with some offences committed abroad.