Lithuanians Form 20-Mile Human Chain in Support of Belarus Protesters
Approximately 50,000 people formed a human chain across part of Lithuania on August 23, to show solidarity with the citizens of neighboring Belarus, where large protests against the recent re-election of Alexander Lukashenko have continued for weeks.
The event, called Freedom Way, began in Lithuania’s capital, Vilnius, and stretched just under 20 miles to Medininkai, a town on the border with Belarus, according to reports.
The demonstration falls on the 31st anniversary of the Baltic Way, where more than 2 million people formed a human chain across Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia in support of an end to the Soviet rule of the three countries.
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda joined the Freedom Way on Sunday, saying, “Thirty 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.” Credit: Saulius Zaura via Storyful
