Assault on teenage girl in Marijampolė under investigation

A video circulating on social media shows a 13-year-old girl repeatedly striking another teenager with a phone in Marijampolė’s Poetry Park while bystanders laugh and record the incident without intervening. Prosecutors have launched a pre-trial investigation into the case, initially classifying it as a public order violation, LRT.lt reports.

According to preliminary information, the conflict may have been triggered by a comment on social media. The victim, who suffered multiple blows to the head with hands, feet, and a phone, was later taken to a medical facility but released after treatment as her injuries were not severe.

Marijampolė District Chief Police Commissariat confirmed receiving a report from the victim’s mother on Wednesday evening. A 12-year-old suspect has been identified, and authorities are clarifying the circumstances. Police have urged the public not to share the video or images of the incident, nor to disclose the identities of the minors involved, to avoid further harm, privacy violations, or incitement of hatred.

Deputy Chief Prosecutor Vilma Sakalauskienė stated that the investigation is currently focused on public order violations but may shift if more serious injuries are confirmed. Authorities are also assessing the role of the bystanders and whether the assailant, born in 2013, can be held criminally liable given her age. If not, alternative measures may be considered.

Irma Meškauskaitė, head specialist of the Marijampolė County Child Rights Protection Division, called the incident shocking and emphasised the importance of preventive discussions with children to avoid such cases in the future.