The Vilnius Regional Court has directed the prosecutor to request the European Parliament to revoke MEP Petras Gražulis’s legal immunity.
Background of the Case
The Vilnius Regional Court on Wednesday took a significant step in a high-profile legal case involving MEP Petras Gražulis. The court instructed the prosecutor to request the European Parliament to strip Gražulis of his legal immunity. This action stems from charges that Gražulis expressed contempt for the LGBTQ community.
Legal Immunity and its Implications
The hearing of the case against Gražulis was temporarily put on hold in summer after he won a seat in the European Parliament, leading to discussions about when his immunity officially began. Gražulis became an MEP in mid-July, which automatically granted him certain legal protections. Without lifting his immunity, the case cannot proceed, hence the significant request to the European Parliament.
Charges Against Gražulis
Petras Gražulis, a former member of the Lithuanian Parliament, is charged with publicly ridiculing and expressing contempt for an individual or a group based on their sexual orientation. This case has garnered significant attention both locally and internationally, as it touches upon sensitive issues related to free speech and discrimination against the LGBTQ community.
Next Steps
The European Parliament will now review the request from the Vilnius Regional Court. This review process will determine whether Gražulis’s immunity will be lifted to allow the prosecution to move forward with the charges. The outcome of this decision will have substantial implications for Gražulis’s political career and could set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future.
