Where to get help
If your rights or the rights of someone close to you have been violated, act quickly, in writing and consistently. Here is the general path.
If life or health is in danger, call 112 immediately, inform the prison administration and the Seimas Ombudspersons (+370 800 22100), and tell us.
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Record the facts
Write down as precisely as possible what happened: date, time, place, officers involved (position, identifying marks) and witnesses. If injured, request a medical examination and copies of its records. Keep every letter you receive and copies of what you send.
Important: CCTV footage may be deleted quickly. Ask in writing for it to be preserved as soon as possible – template.
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Complain to the prison and the Prison Service
Address requests and complaints to the head of the institution or to the Lithuanian Prison Service (L. Sapiegos g. 1, LT-10312 Vilnius, info@kalejimai.lt). Submissions are accepted in Lithuanian, English and Russian; requests sent by email must bear an electronic signature. Always keep a copy and proof of delivery, and ask for a written reply.
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Seimas Ombudspersons
The Seimas Ombudspersons investigate complaints about abuse of office, bureaucracy and human rights violations by officials, and visit places of detention to prevent torture and ill-treatment.
- Complaints must be lodged within one year of the action or decision complained of.
- Anonymous complaints are generally not investigated.
- How to submit: by email to ombuds@lrski.lt, by post (Gedimino pr. 56, LT-01110 Vilnius), via the national e-delivery system or online.
- Free advice line +370 800 22100 (Mon–Thu 10–12 and 13–16, Fri 10–12 and 13–15).
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Prosecutor or police
Where there are signs of a criminal offence – violence, injuries, threats, abuse of office – file a report with the Prosecutor’s Office or the police and ask for a pre-trial investigation. Name witnesses and ask for CCTV footage to be preserved.
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Administrative court
Decisions, actions or inaction of a prison or the Prison Service can be challenged before an administrative court, including claims for non-pecuniary damage for poor conditions or treatment. Deadlines are short: a complaint against a decision is generally due within one month of its notification. Claims for damages have a longer limitation period, but do not delay.
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European Court of Human Rights
Once domestic remedies are exhausted, an application can be lodged with the European Court of Human Rights within four months of the final domestic decision, using the official application form. In exceptional cases involving an imminent risk of irreparable harm to life or health, the Court may indicate interim measures (Rule 39 of the Rules of Court).
Free legal aid
State-guaranteed legal aid in Lithuania has two levels: primary aid (advice) provided by municipalities, and secondary aid (drafting documents, representation in court) provided by the State-Guaranteed Legal Aid Service. People in prison can apply too; eligibility for secondary aid depends on income, assets and the type of case.
How the Prisoners’ Union helps
- We advise which institution to turn to and how.
- We help prepare requests and complaints and provide templates.
- We expose systemic violations and pass information to responsible bodies and international partners.
This page contains general information and does not replace individual legal advice. In complex situations, consult a lawyer.
Report a violation