Prison service chief challenges closure of probe into ex-minister

Lithuanian Prison Service chief Mindaugas Kairys has appealed a decision to end a pre-trial investigation into alleged improper influence by former Justice Minister Rimantas Mockus, and retains his whistleblower status, LRT reported.

Kairys told BNS that he had challenged the decision with a senior prosecutor and the court because he believes the investigation was incomplete. Vilnius City District Court received his complaint in July, and a decision is expected next week, court representative Giedrius Janonis told BNS.

The Prosecutor General’s Office said the investigation into suspected interference with a public servant’s duties was discontinued on May 29 because investigators found no act bearing the elements of a crime or criminal offence. The office later clarified that a final decision on ending the investigation had not yet been made.

Kairys also confirmed that the Special Investigation Service had granted him whistleblower status and that it remains in force. Under Lithuania’s Whistleblower Protection Law, the status can be withdrawn only if the whistleblower asks for it or is found to have knowingly provided false information about a possible violation.

The investigation concerned alleged actions by Mockus while he was justice minister. Last July, Kairys received two disciplinary penalties: a reprimand and a severe reprimand. The government imposed the severe reprimand over the unauthorised use of an official vehicle, which caused 2,156 euros in damage to the service. The reprimand concerned what was described as an irrational procurement that led to 35,600 euros in damage during an inventory of Kaunas Prison conducted by an external supplier.

Mockus proposed dismissing Kairys, but his whistleblower status effectively prevented the move. The two penalties are no longer in force.

This week, the Cabinet imposed another reprimand on Kairys, at the proposal of Justice Minister Rita Tamašunienė, over a resocialisation reform at Kaunas Prison. Kairys has said he plans to challenge that penalty in court as well.

The Prosecutor General’s Office said that if the decision to discontinue the investigation is overturned, it will proceed in accordance with the court’s rulings.