VILNIUS – A human chain called "The Freedom Way" will be formed in Lithuania from Vilnius to Medininkai on Sunday in solidarity with Belarus' civil society fighting for democratic changes in the country.
"Freedom is not only a fundamental human right but also a nation's fundamental right. It’s also a daily commitment to defend it from any attempt on it by those who would replace freedom with darkness, oppression ands fear. 30 years ago Lithuania broke its shackles of oppression by forming the Baltic Way with its Latvian and Estonian brothers and showing the world that we are free and, first of all, free in our spirit. Today, time has come for our Belarusian brothers to say the dear word "Freedom", Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda says.
Zivile Tiskeviciute, head of communication at Laisves TV that's behind the campaign, says some 50,000 people plan to join the Freedom Way on August 23, on the anniversary of the Baltic Way that took place in 1989 when over a million people formed a human chain spanning Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia to demand an end to the Soviet occupation of their countries.
The Freedom Way will stretch 32 kilometers from Cathedral Square in central Vilnius to Medininkai, a town close to the Belarusian border.
Also, an air balloon will take off from Cathedral Square and take a 15-meter long Belarusian flag into the sky.
The Freedom Way will be then followed by a concern and TV marathon in the courtyard of Medininkai Castle and collected funds will be given to the BY Help organization that's been helping injured, detained and persecuted Belarusians and their families since 2017.
Meanwhile, the Lithuanian Catholic Church is inviting all people of good faith to join a Sunday prayer for the people of Belarus.
regisphilbin222 on August 23rd, 2020 at 19:05 UTC »
To everyone wondering what the point is, as the article explains it’s a throwback to the Baltic Way of 1989. It was a peaceful protest against Soviet rule where citizens of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia linked hands to form an unbroken chain across the three countries. At the time, it was a very powerful visual that raised the countries’ grievances to a higher international level and established their solidarity, humanizing and accelerating their struggle for independence, and Lithuania was able to successfully declare independence seven months later.It has inspired other acts, including the human chain (Hong Kong Way) last year protesting against the CCP in Hong Kong.
Edit: my egregious spelling
kool_guy_69 on August 23rd, 2020 at 18:25 UTC »
Its kinda their thing
TheReal_KindStranger on August 23rd, 2020 at 17:04 UTC »
How far is it?