INTRODUCTION
8
others, as well as relevant case-law. Desk-based research
started at the beginning of the year 2022.
1.2.4. FREEDOM OF INFORMATION
REQUESTS
Eleven official Freedom of Information requests were sent
to the Police, Prisons Department, National Probation
Service, Prosecutor General’s Office, Ministry of
Justice, Ministry of Health, Rokiškis Forensic Psychiatric
Hospital, National Courts Administration, National Court
Psychiatric Service, Migration Department, and National
Border Control Service.
1.2.5. SEMI-STRUCTURED INTERVIEWS
Ten semi-structured interviews were carried out either
in-person or online between 17th June and 21st October
2022 with former defendants and detainees with
intellectual and/or psychosocial disabilities, professionals
in the criminal justice and health systems, as well as other
relevant people in contact with persons with disabilities.
Research participants came from five different areas in
Lithuania: Vilnius, Kaunas, Panevėžys, Visaginas, and
Rokiškis. Interviews were conducted with three former
defendants and detainees with intellectual and/or
psychosocial disabilities, also with representatives of the
Ministry of Health, Prison’s Department, Deprivation of
Liberty Hospital (prison), Rokiškis Forensic Psychiatric
Hospital, National Probation Service, a prosecutor, and an
independent practicing attorney.