Former priest partially admits guilt in child abuse case

Former priest Tadas Švedavičius partially admitted guilt in a case involving alleged crimes against children, but declined to testify at a hearing on Thursday, prosecutor Egidijus Motiejūnas said, according to LRT.

The prosecutor said the court began examining evidence and read out the indictment. Švedavičius said he admitted some of the charges but did not specify which ones. He is expected to testify after victims have been questioned at upcoming hearings.

Švedavičius is charged with 34 criminal offences involving the sexual abuse of children, possession of pornographic material and involving children in drinking. The case has 11 victims. The boys were aged between 12 and 18 when the alleged offences took place; all are now adults and are participating in the proceedings remotely.

The trial at Vilnius Regional Court is being held behind closed doors. The court plans to question the victims at its next hearing.

Vilnius Archdiocese said before the hearing that the Pope had granted Švedavičius’s request to be removed from the clerical state. He has lost his status and church authority and can no longer serve as a priest. The archdiocese said the decision does not end the criminal proceedings or exempt him from responsibility under state law.

Švedavičius had been removed from his duties after the charges were brought. He also accepted personal responsibility for compensating the victims, the article said. A lawyer representing one victim said his client was seeking justice and would seek financial compensation for non-material harm.