Фото: t.me/tsikhanouskaya
A Freedom Day celebration took place in Vilnius, marking the 108th anniversary of the proclamation of the Belarusian People’s Republic. Participants gathered at Lukiškės Square and marched through the city streets.
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya delivered a video address, thanking Belarusians for their resilience and calling for the continued struggle for freedom.
“This year is a joyful day because our political prisoners have been released. But do not forget that many of them still remain behind bars. And until all of them are free, our struggle is not over. Repression must end. Belarus must be returned to the people and once again become a truly people’s, democratic republic. Let us do everything to achieve this goal,” she urged.
A speech was also delivered by the director of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s office in Vilnius, Dzianis Kuchynski.
“In the past, Lithuanians defended their independence, and now we are trying to restore ours. It is very important, above all, to gather with friends and partners. Our community, the people who remain in Vilnius, are very grateful to have such partners. We want to return home to Belarus as soon as possible. But in any struggle, it is very important to have support. And such friends and partners, the most important for us, is Lithuania. Thank you. We hope that Lithuania will continue to maintain its principled position toward the Lukashenka regime and will help all Belarusians who are temporarily living in Lithuania. Thank you, and, as they say, for your freedom and ours,” he said.
Lithuanian and Belarusian politicians and activists also took part in the event, including Pavel Seviarynets, Žygimantas Pavilionis, Tomas Tomilinas, and Ruslanas Baranovas.
On March 28, a rally dedicated to Freedom Day will take place in Warsaw with the participation of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya. More events are available via the link.