Skvernelis's electronic ankle monitor began signalling in parliament – police explained technical reasons
Parliamentarian Saulius Skvernelis, suspected of bribery, is subject to intensive supervision with an electronic monitoring device. During a press conference in parliament, the ankle monitor began emitting beeps, forcing the politician to leave the premises.
Skvernelis's electronic ankle monitor began signalling in parliament – police explained technical reasons
On Tuesday, as journalists were being given answers in the parliamentary building, loud signals were heard from the ankle monitor worn by Saulius Skvernelis. This politician had earlier faced suspicion of possible bribery, and by court order he is subject to intensive supervision with an electronic monitoring device.
The device began requiring the parliamentarian to go into an open area. "I cannot work normally as a member of parliament because the device is telling me to go outside," commented S. Skvernelis on the situation.
He emphasised that this was not the first time that technical malfunctions had interrupted his activities. Last week, due to similar signals, he had to stop participating in a vote.
"This is the second time. The previous Tuesday a vote was interrupted, I had to go outside," said S. Skvernelis, questioning whether such a precautionary measure was adequate.
Ramūnas Matonis, a spokesperson for the Police Department, said he did not have the authority to decide whether the electronic ankle monitor interferes with parliamentary functions. However, he acknowledged that such measures do create certain inconveniences.
"I do not know whether it would be my place to make such assessments, that is not my area, but the fact that the precautionary measure creates certain inconveniences is obvious," R. Matonis told Elta.
According to him, the monitoring device operates via satellite GPS connection. When a person enters premises with thick walls and the connection to satellites is lost, the ankle monitor begins emitting warning sounds.
"Then one needs to go to a more open location or outdoors, the device reconnects to the signal and the beeping stops," explained the police communications manager.
He added that individuals subject to intensive supervision are provided in advance with a schedule – indicating where they are allowed to be, where they are prohibited from going, and at what distance they can move away from designated points.
The police receive notifications only when a person removes the ankle monitor or violates the established rules – for example, by moving too far from the permitted territory.
Source: LRT
Source: LRT