The pre-trial investigation was opened against MP on 8 May 2023 over suspected ridiculing, contempt for and urging hatred against the Jews. In May and June 2023, Žemaitaitis posted antisemitic messages on his Facebook account inciting hatred against the Jews.
However, allegations against the MP may be brought only if parliament lifts his immunity from prosecution. Following the Constitution, the Statute of the Seimas and other laws, the legal process will continue provided that parliament gives authorisation to prosecute the MP.
Deputy Seimas Speaker Jurgis Razma told ELTA that parliament would have to consider whether to hold an emergency session to address the matter or to wait for the spring session to start on 10 March.
As reported earlier, in November 2023, the Seimas decided to deliberate on Žemaitaitis’ impeachment and addressed the Constitutional Court asking for elucidation on whether the politician breached the Constitution and violated his oath. If the court concludes that the MP broke his oath, the Seimas would need to secure at least 85 votes in order to impeach Žemaitaitis and remove him from office.