The two politicians failed to convince lawmakers that the case against them was politically motivated. 82 MPs voted in favor of revoking Gapšys' immunity and 86 legislators backed the same decision in Vonžutaitė's case.
"I am accused of fraudulent bookkeeping and fraud but at the time I was only 24 and had no legal or accounting knowledge to say nothing of my practical knowledge," Vonžutaitė said addressing the Seimas in tears.
Meanwhile Gapšys raised the issue of the State Security Department's involvement in the case.
"Everything started from an SSD report. It is strange when a financial case starts with the SSD," he said. Gapšys also expressed resentment over searches carried out in his home when officers came at 7 AM, took items not mentioned in the warrant, and refused to wait for his lawyer. Gapšys called all this procedural violations.
Lawmakers who voted in favor of lifting immunity said only court can rule on the parliamentarians' guilt.
Based on the case materials, the Labor Party's financial documentation for the 2004-2006 period failed to include about LTL 25 million (EUR 7.3 million) in income and about LTL 23 million in spending related with property, commitments and structural changes, and also failed to pay taxes of around LTL 4 million.
Uspaskich is facing up to 8 years in prison. He strongly denies all charges and say the case is politically motivated.
