The Panevėžio District Court is preparing to hear final rebuttals and statements in the ongoing child molestation case involving Kristijonas Bartoševičius. The court session, as reported by courts, will allow the prosecutor to participate remotely, while Bartoševičius is expected to be present in person alongside his defense team. In accordance with criminal procedure, participants in the trial have the right to respond after the closing speeches, with the last word typically reserved for the defense counsel or the accused if they choose not to represent themselves.

Last July, Bartoševičius was convicted on multiple counts of sexual offenses against minors, resulting in a sentence of seven years in prison and approximately €28,000 in restitution for damages inflicted on the victims. The charges detailed a disturbing pattern, with allegations that while a member of the parliament, Bartoševičius was involved in the sexual exploitation of a child, as well as the sexual abuse of three other minors. The court determined that all four victims suffered significant mental and physical distress due to their experiences.

Bartoševičius's defense attorney is currently appealing the decision, seeking either an acquittal for the former politician or a retrial of the case. This high-profile case continues to garner attention in Lithuania, highlighting ongoing concerns regarding child protection and the judicial processes related to such serious allegations against public figures.