VSAT Asylum Rights: Controller Investigates Foreign Requests

lithuania Border Guard Accused of Systematically blocking Asylum Seekers

lithuania’s State Border Guard Service (SBGS) is facing serious allegations of obstructing individuals seeking international protection,according to a recent investigation by the Seimas Ombudsman. Evidence suggests a pattern of officials ignoring, dismissing, and actively refusing to except asylum requests from individuals arriving at Lithuanian border crossings. The findings raise concerns about lithuania’s adherence to international law and its commitment to protecting vulnerable populations.

Repeated Rejections and Disregard for Formal Requests

The investigation details multiple instances beginning in April where asylum seekers were actively prevented from submitting their claims. On April 1,Somali citizens presented both oral and written asylum requests,including a prepared sheet stating “I ASK for International Protection in Lithuania,” to officers at the Salcininkai border checkpoint. These requests were reportedly ignored.

The pattern continued on April 17, when a Russian citizen was penalized for attempting to submit a written asylum request at the Kena railway border checkpoint. Officials directed the individual to apply in Kybartai, only to have their documentation disregarded upon arrival. Investigators found the SBGS was aware of the individual’s intentions, suggesting a missed opportunity to proactively ensure their rights were respected. “the data held by the services has made every opportunity to prepare for the person’s arrival in advance and to ensure his rights without further obstacles,” stated E. Leonaitė, a representative involved in the investigation.

Video Evidence of Refusals and Data Manipulation

Further evidence surfaced on June 20, in the form of video footage depicting SBGS officials refusing to accept written asylum requests from citizens of burundi – a woman and a man. The video reportedly shows an officer discarding the asylum seekers’ paperwork onto the floor, instructing them to “go, go,” and dismissing their attempts to engage in dialog.

In response to the Ombudsman’s inquiry,the SBGS claimed the individuals did not properly submit asylum requests,offering no supporting evidence. This claim is directly contradicted by the video evidence.

Compounding the issue, the investigation revealed concerning discrepancies in the handling of video recordings from body-worn cameras, which are mandated for VSAT (the border guard service) officials. Crucially, footage related to the June 20 incident was deleted – at least 10 days after the event in one instance and 13 days in another – despite retention policies requiring up to 30 days of storage. At the Salcininkai checkpoint, some video recordings were lost due to aging batteries. Furthermore, recordings from Medininkai on april 7 were not captured at all, attributed to a scheduled check of service certificates affecting the operation of the video recorders.

Language Barriers and Lack of Transparency

The SBGS stated that the English proficiency of on-duty officials ranged from A1 to C1 levels, with some guards also speaking Russian and Polish. While multilingualism is beneficial, the investigation highlights a potential communication gap that could hinder the proper processing of asylum claims.

The Ombudsman’s report concludes that, due to the SBGS’s failure to provide corroborating evidence, it has relied on information from public sources and international organizations. This suggests a lack of internal transparency and a reluctance to address the serious allegations.

These findings raise important questions about the SBGS’s commitment to upholding international legal obligations regarding asylum seekers and underscore the need for greater oversight and accountability to ensure fair and humane treatment of individuals seeking protection within Lithuania’s borders.