Antanas Kandrotas denies assault charges in court, calls himself a victim

A Vilnius court has begun hearing the case against Antanas Kandrotas, known as Celofanas, who is accused of public order violations after allegedly striking activist Valdas Bartkevičius during a December 2025 protest, LRT reports.

Kandrotas, who denies wrongdoing, claimed in court on Wednesday that he was the victim of an attack, not the aggressor. “I am a victim of a crime, not a hooligan,” he stated. The incident occurred during a free speech rally in Vilnius’ Independence Square, where prosecutors allege Kandrotas acted aggressively, disrupting public order by striking Bartkevičius in the face.

Bartkevičius, currently serving with Ukraine’s armed forces, participated in the hearing remotely. His lawyer had requested in-person attendance, but the court ruled that remote participation was permissible under his military contract, which restricts travel for six months. Kandrotas challenged Bartkevičius to reveal his location, but the activist refused, citing security concerns.

According to the prosecution, Kandrotas and Bartkevičius clashed during a December 18, 2025, protest supporting Ukraine. Witnesses reported that Bartkevičius, a fundraiser for Ukraine, was spat on by Kandrotas before being struck in the face. Police initially declined to investigate the spitting allegation but fined Bartkevičius €85 for a minor public order violation. The assault investigation against Kandrotas proceeded separately.

In his testimony, Kandrotas claimed Bartkevičius and his associates had premeditated an attack on him. He admitted raising his hand in self-defence but denied hitting Bartkevičius in the face, insisting he only touched the man’s scarf. Bartkevičius, who was not wearing a scarf, rejected this account. Prosecutors noted that Kandrotas has a prior conviction for financial crimes and is currently appealing a four-year sentence for rioting near the Seimas (Lithuanian parliament) in a separate case.

The maximum penalty for public order violations under Lithuania’s Criminal Code is up to two years’ imprisonment.