Despite existing legislation that permits officials to employ firearms in exceptional circumstances, border guards report significant apprehension regarding the actual use of such force. This hesitation stems from concerns about navigating subsequent judicial review processes. Minister of Internal Affairs, Martynas Katinas, echoed this sentiment, cautioning that a pattern of officials using force in service, followed by subsequent legal scrutiny, could potentially leave border guards vulnerable to procedural challenges.
Katinas stressed that officials must feel empowered to use all available means when confronting offenders, rather than hesitating due to potential repercussions. In response to these operational concerns, the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) intends to initiate appropriate legislative amendments, although specific details regarding these proposed changes have not yet been released. The discussion over operational authority was juxtaposed with a recent enforcement action.
In a separate incident, border guards from the Lazdijai district successfully intercepted migrants whose attempt to dig a subterranean tunnel to re-enter Lithuania failed this week. This highlights the ongoing security measures maintained by the border personnel. The Ministry’s planned legislative review aims to clarify the guidelines surrounding the use of force, ensuring that border guards have clear legal backing while mitigating the risks associated with post-incident investigations.
Topics: #border #guards #use
