Convicted former MP Kristijonas Bartoševičius reports to police to begin prison sentence

Former Lithuanian parliament member Kristijonas Bartoševičius, convicted of sexual crimes against minors, reported to police on Tuesday morning to begin serving his seven-year prison term, LRT reports.

The Vilnius County Chief Police Commissariat confirmed Bartoševičius arrived alone, without legal representation, shortly after 8 a.m. Unofficial sources indicate he will be transported to Kaunas Remand Prison, though the Lithuanian Prison Service will determine his final placement based on risk assessment, public safety, and available capacity.

Last week, the Court of Appeal rejected Bartoševičius’ appeal against his conviction for 10 offenses, including sexual abuse of minors, coercion of underage victims, and causing bodily harm. The court upheld the original seven-year sentence, though prosecutors had sought 10 years. The ruling may still be challenged before the Supreme Court.

Under the new verdict, Bartoševičius will also be barred for five years after release from any work involving minors. He was ordered to pay €32,000 in compensation to victims for material and non-material damages.

The case was heard in closed sessions to protect the privacy of underage victims and witnesses. Pre-trial investigations concluded in July 2023, with charges stemming from Bartoševičius’ tenure as director of the boys’ choir Ąžuoliukas (2012–2020) and as a teacher at Kaunas Veršvų Gymnasium (2018–2019). He resigned from parliament in January 2023 after prosecutors launched the investigation.