Lithuanian PM sees no grounds for new CIA prison probe

Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius stated that he sees no reason to initiate a new investigation into whether a Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) prison operated in Lithuania. The General Prosecutor's Office is currently conducting a pre-trial investigation and engaging in international legal cooperation with foreign states.

Sinkevičius's press secretary, Gedas Salyga, emphasized that the prime minister trusts the independent work of law enforcement institutions and does not see a need for a new political process. This stance comes as discussions about the alleged prison have reignited following Lithuania's recent loss at the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) in a case related to the issue.

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The General Prosecutor's Office is continuing its pre-trial investigation and is currently carrying out international legal cooperation procedures – relevant requests have been sent to foreign states. A parliamentary investigation was previously conducted regarding the possible CIA detention center that operated on Lithuanian territory.

A parliamentary investigation in 2009 by the Seimas National Security and Defence Committee concluded that conditions for detaining individuals existed in Lithuania, but it could not prove that prisoners were brought to or held in the country. The recent ECtHR ruling, the third against Lithuania on this matter, found that Saudi Arabian citizen Abd al-Rahim Hussein Al Nashiri was unlawfully detained in a U.S. prison in Lithuania between 2005 and 2006. The court awarded him 30,000 euros in compensation and ordered the Lithuanian government to seek assurances from the U.S. that he would not face the death penalty.

Despite the ECtHR rulings, some political figures in Lithuania have expressed differing views on further investigations. Seimas Speaker Juozas Olekas also sees no point in starting another inquiry, while the leader of the "Vardan Lietuvos" Democrats Union, Virginijus Sinkevičius, believes such an investigation is necessary. Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys, however, stated last week that Lithuania must investigate the suspicions. The President's office, represented by senior advisor Asta Skaisgirytė, has also expressed doubt, suggesting an additional investigation would not bring more clarity.

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The Prime Minister trusts the independently operating law enforcement institutions and their ongoing investigation, therefore he currently sees no grounds to initiate a new political process.