Lithuanian MP Seen Abroad Without Ankle Monitor; Prosecutors Confirm Travel Permission

Lithuanian Member of Parliament Saulius Skvernelis has been observed traveling abroad without the electronic ankle monitor he was required to wear as part of intensive supervision. Skvernelis, who had recently criticized the device as overly strict, was photographed without it in a foreign airport.

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Let people live their lives. If I have traveled, it means it was done in compliance with the requirements of the law.

The situation prompted clarification from the Prosecutor's Office, which confirmed that Skvernelis had indeed received permission for temporary travel. "We can currently confirm that after examining the request submitted in the established procedure for permission for the suspect to temporarily leave Lithuania, the request was granted after evaluating the arguments stated therein and the pre-trial investigation materials," stated Elena Martinonienė, head of the General Prosecutor's Office Communication Department.

Despite the visual evidence, prosecutors emphasized that the ankle monitor itself was not removed. The terms of his intensive supervision allow for the temporary removal of the device for short periods if there are justified reasons. Skvernelis is currently under investigation for alleged bribery in connection with the Service of Plant Growing.

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We can currently confirm that after examining the request submitted in the established procedure for permission for the suspect to temporarily leave Lithuania, the request was granted after evaluating the arguments stated therein and the pre-trial investigation materials.

Responding to inquiries, Skvernelis stated, "Let people live their lives. If I have traveled, it means it was done in compliance with the requirements of the law." He asserted that any travel undertaken was legal and followed proper procedures.

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The electronic monitoring device was not changed for S. Skvernelis. During the validity of the restrictive measure, the prosecutor's permission may allow for the removal of the device for a short period of time for justified reasons.