A woman known for her presence on social media has been convicted of defamation and humiliation, according to the prosecutor’s office of the Republic of Lithuania. The case arose after the individual, identified as CT, allegedly published facts online that was deemed degrading and defamatory, prompting complaints to law enforcement in the autumn of 2023.

Complaints Led to Investigation

The complaints to the police originated from multiple parties, including a television worker, a judge, two representatives from the Children’s Rights Protection Service, and the owner of an apartment in Panevezys where CT was residing.

The Panevezys City and District Police Commissariat initiated a pre-trial investigation into the actions of CT. The investigation expanded to include suspicions of abuse of parental rights and duties, stemming from concerns that the woman was not adequately supervising her young child, nor providing proper medical care, food, or education.

There have also been fears that a woman does not properly care for her young child, that he does not receive proper medical care, food and education.

The child was subsequently taken from CT’s home and is currently living with foster parents.

CT maintained her innocence throughout the investigation and trial.

On May 26, the Utena District Court Anykščiai Palace found CT guilty of defamation and humiliation of the judge.

Sentencing and Conditions

CT received a sentence of 17 months’ imprisonment under intensive care conditions,which involves electronic monitoring to track her location during specific hours. As part of the sentence, CT is required to remain at home from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., unless her absence is related to work, education, or medical appointments. She must also complete 80 hours of work in healthcare, social services, or non-governmental organizations that assist the elderly, disabled, or others in need, and either begin working or register with the Ministry of Social Security and labor.

The court partially upheld civil claims in the case, ordering CT to pay €2,000 to each of three victims, totaling €500 in non-pecuniary damages.

Paulius Jasiukaitis, deputy Chief Prosecutor of the Panevezys District Prosecutor’s Office, oversaw the pre-trial investigation and represented the prosecution in court.

CT was acquitted on the charge of abuse of parental rights and duties, as the court found no evidence of a crime.

According to prosecutor PAULIUS JASIUKAITIS, who supported the public prosecution, the case involved a complex assessment of evidence, and defamation cases on social networks are highly individual with limited case law. He stated that evaluating evidence related to Article 163 of the Criminal Code, concerning abuse of parental rights and obligations, was particularly challenging.

“Data in civil proceedings for the restriction of parents’ rights and the transfer of the child to the guardians was sufficient, and the appellate court is required to speak and evaluate the data collected in the case because the prosecutor’s office is sufficient,” the prosecutor said. He intends to appeal against the acquittal for the offense under Article 163 of the CC of the Republic of Lithuania. and the type and amount of punishment imposed on other offenses.

The judgment of the Court of First Instance may be appealed to the Panevezys Regional Court within 20 days of its publication.