A Freedom Day celebration took place in Vilnius, marking the 108th anniversary of the proclamation of the Belarusian Democratic Republic. Belarusians and friends of Belarus gathered at Lukiškės Square to commemorate this important date and march through the streets of the city.
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya delivered a video address. She thanked Belarusians for their resilience and called for continuing the struggle for freedom:
“This year, today is a joyful day because our political prisoners have been released. But do not forget that many are still 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 we can together to achieve this goal. Happy holiday, dear friends! Long Live Belarus!”
Director of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office in Vilnius, Dzianis Kuchynski, also spoke at the rally:
“In the past, Lithuanians defended their independence, and now we are trying to restore ours. It is particularly important to come together with friends and partners. Our community, the people who remain in Vilnius, is very grateful to have such partners. We want to return home to Belarus as soon as possible. But in any struggle, support is essential. And Lithuania is one of our most important friends and partners.
Thank you. We hope Lithuania will continue to take a principled stance against the Lukashenka regime and support all Belarusians temporarily living in Lithuania.
Thank you — and, as they say, for your freedom and ours. Long Live Belarus!”
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 will take place in Warsaw with the participation of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya. More events are available on the map.
