Lawyer says alleged abuse still haunts men in Švedavičius case

Men who were minors when they were allegedly harmed by former priest Tadas Švedavičius continue to feel the effects of the trauma, their lawyer said as a Vilnius court heard testimony from three victims on Friday, LRT reported.

The Vilnius Regional Court continued its trial of Švedavičius, who is charged with sexual offences against children. The proceedings were held behind closed doors. Prosecutor Egidijus Motiejūnas said the case has 11 victims and that the three who testified confirmed their statements from the pre-trial investigation, without adding new circumstances.

Lawyer Tomas Januškevičius, who represents two victims, said the testimony concerned old and emotionally traumatic events. He said the men recalled significant details and that the evidence in the case supports and confirms itself. He also said the case contains information alleging that Švedavičius gave alcohol to minors.

Januškevičius said the experience continues to affect the young men. He declined to discuss their current relationship with the Church, saying such events can change a person’s life.

Švedavičius did not answer journalists’ questions before or after the hearing. His lawyer, Arūnas Kazlauskas, declined to comment on the victims’ testimony. The prosecutor said Švedavičius is subject to a written undertaking not to leave. At an earlier hearing, the former priest partly admitted guilt to the charges against him.