The Belarusian leader met with priests and believers of the Belarusian Orthodox parish in Vilnius. During the meeting, she was given a tour of the church and told about the parish’s history and its mission – to work with Belarusians worldwide, including those inside the country.
Representatives from the Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including Ambassador Asta Andrijauskienė, and members of the diplomatic corps also attended the meeting. The church was attacked in early September, with its windows shot at with pneumatic weapons. That same night, the windows of the Belarusian Community and Culture Center in Vilnius were smashed, and an anti-Belarusian slogan was painted near the Zamak shelter run by the Dapamoga NGO. A month earlier, a window was smashed, and a xenophobic slogan was left at a building housing the Belarusian store and creative space “Kropka”.
During the conversation with the Belarusian leader, reverend Aliaksandr Kukhta emphasized that such actions violate all existing international laws: “While it’s clear we are not at war, what is forbidden during wartime according to the Geneva Convention is absolutely unacceptable in peacetime”.
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “You know, this attack reminded me of the times when AMAP [riot police] blocked the doors of the Red Church in Minsk. And now, in Vilnius, in various places where Belarusians work, the regime is trying to leave a trail of violence and hatred. It was a great pleasure to get to know the parish and learn more about its history. Reverend Aliaksandr said something that deeply resonated with me: ‘You can remain Orthodox without compromising your beliefs and faith; you do not have to be involved in the violence happening in Belarus’”.
The Belarusian leader stressed that, unfortunately, the reason for her visit was a sad one. But despite the regime’s efforts, such events only inspire and unite people: “I am convinced that nothing can break the bond between Lithuanians and Belarusians, as well as between Belarusians themselves. Let me thank everyone for their support! We are confident in your solidarity and strong support for Belarus’ struggle for democracy and independence. I am grateful to everyone who is fighting today for the right to be Belarusian on our free land!”
