
Sekmadienis Ltd. v. Lithuania: When Freedom of Expression is Restricted on a Whim
By banning ads featuring characters resembling Jesus and St. Mary, Lithuania unreasonably restricted free speech and the freedom of expression, concluded the ECtHR in the…
Urgent Changes Needed to Reform Lithuania’s Outdated Prison System
A few months ago, the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) found that Lithuania violated Article 3 (“no one shall be subjected to torture, inhuman…
Case of Afghan minors – unlawful detention and conviction
“I got scared – if I refuse to work with Taliban, they will kill me. I was told that Lithuania helps people.” – Q.N., applicant in…
Gataevs’ Case – compensation for unlawful detention
“The grounds for pre-trial detention should be substantive and conclusive, not general and abstract; the court should ground its decision in the specific circumstances of the case. When sanctioning…
Romanian embassy’s case – gender-based discrimination
“Less favorable treatment of an employee due to pregnancy is considered to be direct discrimination on the basis of gender. And even though gender discrimination…
Mustafa al-Hawsawi case – a right to be free from torture
“This judgement is of great significance on national as well as international level. It is a huge step forward in protecting human rights Lithuania.” – Mėta…
D.P. v Lithuania – domestic violence
„I hope this decision will assist others in the future, maybe victims will not be afraid to complain, and aggressors will be less violent. I…
Valiuliene v. Lithuania – domestic violence
“The very act of domestic violence has an inherent humiliating and debasing character for the victim, which is exactly what the offender aims at. Physical pain is…
D.D. v. Lithuania – a right to legal capacity
Proceedings initiated: 2004 Proceedings closed: 2012 Case in brief: the courts, without hearing out the applicant, stripped her off legal capacity and assigned a guardian, who locked…
L. v. Lithuania – a right to private life
“The circumstances of the case reveal a limited legislative gap in gender reassignment surgery, which leaves the applicant in a situation of distressing uncertainty vis-à-vis his private…
A.A. case – a right to legal aid
Proceedings initiated: 2010 Proceedings closed: 2011 Case in brief: the applicant, whose monthly income amounted to 40 EUR, was refused legal aid Outcome of the case: the…
March 11 Rally Case – freedom of assembly
“The decision of the Supreme Court is significant not only to HRMI and CEA but it is important to the whole society. It is the…
Demolition of Roma Houses – a right to housing
“Illegal constructions must be dealt with. Nevertheless, this right (and an obligation) must be implemented strictly in accordance with the provisions and requirements laid down…
The Central Clinic Case – Accessibility
“This visit to the clinic was not any different from the others. Together with my daughter we go there for ten years. Although the years…
Rally “For Equality” case – freedom of assembly
„I am so proud, and not only for Lithuania. I consider an opportunity to hold a Pride tomorrow to be an important step. This dispute was…
“Tolerance Truck” case – freedom of assembly
“Lithuania is a catholic country, therefore a public gay event is not pleasant for Lithuanians. As long as I am a mayor, I won’t allow homosexuals…
Whistleblower’s protection case
“The dismissal of D. Budreviciene was like a warning or a threat directed at other employees: they will face the same fate should they dare…
“Erika” case – right to respect for private life
Proceedings initiated: 2008 Proceedings closed: 2008 Case in brief: after completing gender reassingment surgery abroad, the applicant was unable to change her ID documents in…
Saicha case – ethnic origin discrimination
„The employers were not interested in who I was, they made their decision [not to employ me] after just taking a look at me. I…