Prosecutor plans to read indictment in former priest’s case

A prosecutor plans to read the indictment on Thursday in the case against former priest Tadas Švedavičius and begin questioning victims, LRT reported. The case concerns allegations of sexual offences against children.

Prosecutor Egidijus Motiejūnas told reporters before the hearing at Vilnius Regional Court that the indictment was due to be read and victim testimony was expected to begin. The court is also scheduled to start examining the case in substance. The hearing will be closed, and the victims are expected to take part remotely.

After the indictment is read, Švedavičius will be asked whether he admits guilt. He arrived shortly before the hearing and did not answer journalists’ questions about the matter.

There are 11 victims in the case, most of whom have their own lawyers. Lawyer Tomas Januškevičius, who represents one of them, said his client was seeking justice and that he would seek financial compensation for non-material harm.

The allegations include sexual abuse of children, possession of pornography and involving children in drinking. The court was unable to begin hearing the case on September 24 after Švedavičius hired a new lawyer, who was granted time to review the case file.

The day before the hearing, the Vilnius Archdiocese said the Pope had accepted Švedavičius’s request to be dismissed from the clerical state. The archdiocese said the decision ended his clerical status and authority but did not affect the criminal proceedings or his responsibility under state law.