Lithuania’s probation service chief issued domestic violence order, meets with justice minister

The head of Lithuania’s Probation Service, Romas Ostanavičius, was issued a domestic violence protection order on Saturday, while police searched for him on Monday after he left home with a firearm following a conflict, LRT.lt reports. Justice Minister Rita Tamašunienė met with Ostanavičius on Tuesday morning to discuss the incident.

Police confirmed that Ostanavičius was served the 15-day order—barring him from approaching the home of the alleged victim—after officers assessed a risk of domestic violence. The order also required the surrender of any firearms in his possession.

According to Ramūnas Matonis, head of the Police Department’s Communications Division, authorities received a report of a domestic dispute at 21:18 on Sunday. Ostanavičius left the scene with a weapon but later turned himself in to police on Monday. Tests confirmed he was sober at the time.

“The material collection and clarification process has now begun to establish all circumstances,” Matonis told LRT.lt.

The Probation Service operates under the Justice Ministry. Minister Tamašunienė’s spokesperson, Božena Zaborovska-Zdanovič, stated that no decision on Ostanavičius’s future in the role would be made until law enforcement completes its investigation. “We await full clarification of the circumstances before any decisions are taken,” she said, adding that the minister would hear Ostanavičius’s account of the events during their meeting.

Ostanavičius, who has led the Probation Service since December 20, 2021, was granted the rank of internal service general in 2022.