Širvintai resident who attacked cyclist over Ukrainian symbolism receives court decision
A man who attacked a cyclist in Širvintai district over his support for Ukraine has been found guilty of property damage and causing injury.
Širvintai resident who attacked cyclist over Ukrainian symbolism receives court decision
The Vilnius Regional District Court has found guilty a Lithuanian citizen J. J., born in 1987, who attacked a cyclist in Širvintai district. The incident was recorded on the evening of 27 March 2025.
According to court documents, the defendant was driving a car and came alongside a person travelling by bicycle on the same section of road. He began demanding that the cyclist remove clothing bearing Ukrainian insignia. When the cyclist refused to comply, the driver deliberately turned the car to the right, blocking the road.
The cyclist braked abruptly and fell onto the roadside. The injured party suffered injuries and his bicycle was damaged. After catching up with his victim, the attacker again attempted to pull off the shirt bearing Ukrainian symbols. When the victim tried to call for help using his phone, the aggressor struck and smashed the mobile device.
The court sentenced the man to one year and three months of restricted freedom. During the sentence, he will be required to work or register with the Employment Service, and also to attend a programme aimed at changing violent behaviour. Additionally, the convicted man must compensate the victim for material and moral damage incurred and cover medical expenses.
In the court's assessment, this incident was not accidental—it was caused by the defendant's hostility towards the injured party as a representative of the pro-Ukraine section of society. The motive of expressing hatred towards a group of people because of their political views was considered an aggravating circumstance.
The judgement, delivered on 12 May, has already become final. The investigation was conducted by police officers of the capital district, and the prosecution was maintained by prosecutor Edvinas Navickas.
Source: LRT.lt
Source: LRT