Your rights
Deprivation of liberty is the punishment in itself. Other rights may be restricted only as far as the law provides and as is necessary.
Below are the key rights of every person in prison. Detailed procedures are set out in the Code for the Execution of Sentences, the Law on the Execution of Pre-trial Detention and the internal rules of places of detention.
Humane treatment
Torture and inhuman or degrading treatment are absolutely prohibited, without exception (Article 21 of the Constitution, Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights). Force may only be used where the law allows and only as far as strictly necessary.
Health care
People in prison must receive health care equivalent to that available in the community. You have the right to access your medical records and obtain copies (Law on the Rights of Patients and Compensation for Damage to Health).
Adequate living conditions
Sufficient personal space, heating, light, ventilation, hygiene and food. In the case law of the European Court of Human Rights, less than 3 m² of personal space in multi-occupancy cells gives rise to a strong presumption of degrading treatment (Muršić v. Croatia, 2016). The Court has found violations against Lithuania concerning prison conditions (e.g. Mironovas and Others v. Lithuania, 2015).
Contact with family
Visits, letters and phone calls are protected by the right to private and family life (Article 8 of the Convention). Restrictions must be lawful and proportionate.
The right to complain without fear
You may submit requests and complaints to the prison administration, the Prison Service, the Seimas Ombudspersons, prosecutors and courts. Reprisals or punishment for complaining are prohibited.
Legal assistance
You have the right to confidential communication with a lawyer and to apply for state-guaranteed legal aid.
Work, education and religion
Prisons must provide opportunities to work, study, take part in meaningful activities and practise religion.
Equality
Discrimination on grounds of sex, nationality, language, origin, religion, beliefs, health or any other status is prohibited.
Legal sources
- Constitution of the Republic of Lithuania
- Code for the Execution of Sentences; Law on the Execution of Pre-trial Detention
- Internal rules of places of detention
- European Convention on Human Rights (echr.coe.int)
- European Prison Rules (Council of Europe Recommendation Rec(2006)2, revised 2020)
- UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (Nelson Mandela Rules, 2015)
Current versions of Lithuanian legislation are available in the Register of Legal Acts (e-tar.lt).
This is general information. For your specific situation, get help.