„The QR code is also only issued to people who have committed crimes; suspects are not issued with a QR code. Here, too, we can see that the legal framework needs to be expanded. Additional functionalities added to the register of suspects (and defendants – ELTA) and convicted offenders, so that the code is issued as soon as a person is suspected of crimes of this nature,“ – the minister stated on Monday following an inter-agency meeting on measures to respond to cases of sexual violence against children.
„This is already a consequence, but it is also a preventive measure, because, in our view, the prospect of being included in such registers and public lists would certainly make people think twice before committing these horrific acts against children and minors,“ added Tamašunienė.
Amendments to the Law on the Fundamentals of Child Protection came into force in November 2024, introducing an obligation on employers to screen individuals who work with minors. These individuals must hold a special electronic document – a QR code – which enables both employers and parents to check whether the person has a history of sexual or other serious offences.
As reported by ELTA, last week the Prosecutor General’s Office announced that it had referred a criminal case to the court in which a priest of the Roman Catholic Church, who had served in the Archdiocese of Vilnius, faces charges of sexual offences against minors.
The priest is accused of 34 criminal offences, including the sexual abuse of children, possession of pornographic material, and inducing children to drink alcohol.
This case is linked to another criminal case which was referred to the court at the end of June this year. In that case, charges have been brought against another priest who also served in the Archdiocese of Vilnius. He is accused of possessing pornographic material.
Following reports that emerged almost a week ago regarding sexual offences against children allegedly committed by priests over many years, a special meeting was convened by the Government.
Organised on the initiative of Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius, the meeting between ministers and Ilma Skuodienė, head of the State Child Rights Protection and Adoption Service, on Monday morning lasted just over an hour.