[ad_1]
Receiving the Freedom Prize for the Belarusian democratic opposition this year during the solemn commemoration of Defenders of Freedom Day in Vilnius, he remembered Loreta Asanavičiūtė, who died under Soviet tanks.
“30 years ago, a young woman came to the Vilnius television tower on this day. Together with thousands of other Lithuanians, she came to peacefully defend the freedom of her country. A few hours later, she was crushed by a Soviet tank. Her name Like 13 other heroes, he will never be forgotten in Lithuania, “said S. Cichanouskaja.
According to her, like L. Asanavičiūtns, Belarusians took to the streets this year for the future of their country.
And sadly, like Loreta, some were killed for this peaceful desire. Why did the brave Lithuanians sacrifice their lives 30 years ago? And why are millions of Belarusians now risking their own thing? The reason is simple: they dared to seek freedom, “said the Belarusian opposition leader.
“The regime may believe that crushing us with its repressive means can break our spirit of freedom and dignity. This has not happened in Lithuania nor will it happen in Belarus. There is no way back. But we must keep fighting, “Cichanouskaya said.
He also thanked Lithuania for its support in the fight for freedom.
“It is important to know that we are not alone in the fight for democracy. For centuries, we have felt the shoulder of our neighbor Lithuania. Today, however, we are more grateful than ever for their support because you will meet a true friend in the disaster. And today, on behalf of all Belarusians, I would like to thank you for that, “said the representative of Belarus.
“Dziak (white – thank you) – I thank all Lithuanian citizens for their unusual solidarity with us. All Belarusians remember that beautiful image of those gathered during the 31st anniversary of the Baltic Way in the chain of friendship from Vilnius to the border with Belarus You inspire us and give us hope, “said S. Cichanouskaya.
Thanking him for the Freedom Prize, he noted that the award belongs to “all Belarusians who peacefully fight against violence and disregard for the law.”
“This award is not only a great honor, but also a reminder to all of us that we must remain focused and united. We will win,” said the Belarusian opposition leader.
Paulė Kuzmickienė, chair of the Seimas Freedom Awards Commission, stated that this award was awarded to all Belarusians “who clearly and unequivocally expressed a desire for change at rallies, protests, marches, street chains and corporate strikes” .
“The Freedom Prize is for political prisoners: protesters injured or killed by Alexander Lukashenko’s regime. It is intended for mothers, women, whose loved ones are in prisons, and as they continue to fight, share their heart and their love for half, for children and Belarus, “said P. Kuzmickienė.
He stressed that the freedom aspirations of Lithuanians and Belarusians have been inseparable for more than a century.
“We are with the Belarusians because we are very aware of the real price of freedom and how important it is to have the support of the international community, especially when there are those who offer to be silent, go unnoticed or close their eyes in the name of butter more fat, “he said.
On Wednesday, Lithuania commemorates Defenders of Freedom Day, honoring those who died on January 13, 1991 during the Soviet army’s aggression in Vilnius. Then the Soviets attempted to overthrow the legitimate government of Lithuania by military force, which declared the country’s independence from the USSR on March 11, 1990.
The formal annual session of parliament has moved to a virtual space this year. Prerecorded speeches and the Freedom Award ceremony are streamed online and through LRT.
During the commemoration, S. Cichanouskaja received the Freedom Award to the democratic opposition in Belarus.
[ad_2]
