What happened on January 13 1991?
On the night of January 13, 1991, Soviet troops attempted to seize power months after Lithuania declared independence. Fourteen people died during the violence. In 2019, Lithuania sentenced 67 people for war crimes and crimes against humanity.
What is January 13 in Lithuania?
Day of the Defenders of Freedom
January 13th is the Day of the Defenders of Freedom (Lithuanian: Laisvės Gynėjų Diena) in Lithuania. It is not a public holiday, but it is officially observed as a commemorative day. It is a vividly remembered day in the Lithuanian national memory.
What is March 11 Lithuania?
Restoration of Independence Day
Restoration of Independence Day is a public holiday in Lithuania, always celebrated on March 11th. This holiday marks the declaration of independence from the Soviet Union on this day in 1990.
Is Lithuania part of Russia?
Lithuania is not and was not Russia. During the 1940-1941 and 1944-1990 periods, Lithuania was occupied by the Soviet Union. This occupation was contrary to international law and not recognized by most democratic countries.
What is Lithuania March?
Kovas (March) may derive from either the noun kovas, the rook, or the noun kova, meaning battle. Rooks increase their activity at this time, building their nests and mating. The alternate derivation refers to the struggle between winter and spring. It was formerly known as morčius and karvelinis.
When did USSR leave Lithuania?
On March 11, 1990, Lithuania declared that it was an independent nation, the first of the Soviet republics to do so. It had, however, overestimated Gorbachev’s intentions.
What happened to the Baltic states in 1991?
On 6th September 1991, the Soviet Government finally recognized the independence of all three Baltic states. It was followed by complete withdrawal of Russian troops from all Baltic States. It was completed first in Lithuania on 31st August 1993, followed by the Estonia and Latvia on 31 August 1994.