Vilnius court to begin trial of former priest accused of child crimes

Vilnius Regional Court is due on Thursday to begin hearing the case against former priest Tadas Švedavičius, who is accused of crimes against children, LRT reported.

The court’s first hearing, on September 24, did not proceed to the examination of the case on its merits because of procedural matters. The court has decided to hold the proceedings behind closed doors.

Švedavičius is charged with sexually assaulting children and minors; satisfying sexual desire in violation of a minor’s sexual self-determination; molesting people under 16; involving a child in drinking alcohol; exploiting a child for pornography; and possessing pornographic material depicting a child.

The case has 11 victims and six civil claims seeking compensation. The amounts range from several hundred euros to more than 200,000 euros. Law enforcement authorities have recorded 34 alleged criminal acts, committed over 23 years, from 2002 to 2025. Švedavičius admits guilt.

He is subject to a written undertaking not to leave the country and the seizure of his documents. Prosecutor Egidijus Motiejūnas has said more minors may have been harmed and in September urged anyone affected to contact the Vilnius Regional Prosecutor’s Office.

According to BNS, Vilnius Archbishop Gintaras Grušas said Švedavičius had promised to compensate the victims. Pope Leo XIV granted Švedavičius’s request to leave the clergy.